Where To Buy Postage Stamps

There are many places to buy postage stamps these days, with a number of options online. In addition to auction sites like eBay, some of the most popular sites include official stamp catalogues. Stamp catalogs are important not just for stamp purchasing, but also for organizing and referring to your collection. Scott's is the most common international reference, but here are a few others to consider as well.

The Scott numbering system is the predominant method of categorizing stamp collections now, so if you're looking to buy postage stamps, it would make sense to begin with Scott's annual catalogue (found at ScottOnline.com). The catalogue runs over 5,000 pages with colored pictures, descriptions, years, numbers, countries, perforations and unused/used prices. Whether you're looking for that rare stamp or a souvenir sheet, Scott's Catalogue is the quintessential stamp hunter's guide.

The American Philatelic Society (Stamps.org) has a database of over 270,613 items that you can search by country, type, keywords, Scott Catalogue number, country and stamp type, country and keyword, stamp type and keyword, or Stamp ID number. You needn't be a member to browse, but if you'd like to buy postage stamps or get personal stamp information, you must become a member. Membership fees go toward publishing their monthly journal and costs range from $11.75/year to $38, depending on when you register (July - September is best).

The first Stanley Gibbons catalogue was published in 1865 and since then, they've been a leading resource for collectors looking to get postage stamps from Great Britain or elsewhere, with the exception of the United States. You can find a $181,575 first day black cover from Great Britain (1840), an unused 1847 stamp from Tobago for $8,070, or 1 1913 "kookaburra" stamp from Australia for $80. This is the place to find a rare stamp or special gem for your collection. It should also be noted that in addition to the free online catalogue, Stanley Gibbons also offers personal, web-based stamp "My Collection" organization where you can keep an online database of your collection.

Kenmore Stamp Company (KenmoreStamp.com) from Buffalo, NY has been in operation since the 1930s and offers a wide array of stamps from $10-20, Pope John Paul II and Lord of the Rings souvenir sheet types to $195, first Trans-Atlantic crossing / Zeppelin flight covers, $3,900 red-brown 5 cent Franklin imperforates and mint 10 cent Washington blacks for $16,000! This is a great place to acquire stamps, whether you're a beginner or expert philatelist.

The United States Postal Service puts out an annual catalog where you can find all the commemorative and press sheet stamps put out each year. At Shop.USPS.com, you can order the full catalog or just browse a few categories. Buy 20 Marvel comic stamps for $8.20, a 79-cent Gerald Ford stamp or an uncut Star Wars press sheet for $18.45. There are decent prices for first-time collectors. Whether you'd like to purchase postage stamps with pop culture themes as gifts or collectibles, you can find them here.

Catalogs are a great place to browse different price ranges, themes, stamp types and other options before you buy postage stamps. Some people like to search for postage stamps on eBay (where the bids start as low as one cent!), but they still like to look up comparable asking prices in Scott's or Kenmore Stamp. The best way to find a catalog you like is to browse around and see which format is easiest for you to scan.