LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Stamp Collecting
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Specializing in vintage stamps can be a costly enterprise, but stamp collecting doesn't have to be expensive. Choosing to focus on current issues from around the world lowers the cost considerably; numerous dealers offer wide-ranging collections for often remarkably inexpensive prices, along with the tools and supplies needed to care for and display stamps.
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Because many U.S. stamp issues of the 1920s rose rapidly in value, during the 1930s many American collectors stockpiled mint U.S. stamps with the hopes of selling them for a sizeable profit in a few years' time. This never materialized. Even today, more than 60 years later, one can find many 1930s U.S. issues in mint condition for close to face value, and many stamp dealers and collectors still use stamps issued as far back as the 1930s for postage when mailing letters.
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No matter what else you learn about stamp collecting, learn to always use stamp tongs. They may look like household tweezers, but stamp tongs do not have sharp edges. Tweezers will harm your stamps. Use tongs: that's the second rule of stamp collecting.
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Like with any collectible there are certain qualities that will determine the worth of a stamp. A rare stamp in good condition will always be worth more. In regards to condition, determining which ones are the most valued is usually measured by graded and expertized stamps. A stamp that has been graded usually deems higher quality standards... these stamps will be worth more, but be aware that the authenticity of a graded stamp should be researched before purchasing it.
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[S]tamp collecting can be done in a very simple way using stamps you find on your everyday mail and place on plain paper in a three-ring binder. Or you can give a "want list" to a stamp dealer. He will pull the stamps you want from his stock, and you mount them in the correct spaces in a custom-made album that you bought.
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Stamp collecting albums are a complete necessity if you are taking up philately. The fact is that you will probably wind up collecting more stamps than you ever dreamed imaginable, and as a result you will need proper storage for them. If you neglect to preserve your stamps properly, they can become torn and tattered, rendering them useless if and when you try to sell them or trade them.
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Stamp Collecting