Where To Find Information on Postage Stamps

For online information on postage stamps, hobbyists can check catalogs like Scott's, societies like the American Philatelic Society, authentication centers like the Postal Stamp Experts, or buying and selling auctions like eBay. The best way to further your love of stamp collecting is to immerse yourself by taking advantage of every possible resource available. Read on for some noteworthy suggestions on how to get started.

The first stop for serious stamp collectors who are looking to buy or sell should be a catalogue. The most popular reference guide is the Scott's Catalogue, but Stanley Gibbons, Minkus and the US Postal Service Catalogue of Stamps also make great resources. You can check out ScottOnline.com for the internet version of the Scott's Catalogue. The internet version is available ten days prior to the print version and is emailed directly to you. Searching options go back three issues of Scott Stamp Monthly to help you to find what you're looking for and you'll be able to connect with advertisers immediately, instead of having to phone or mail them with your inquiries. Subscribers can also customize their online edition by picking which columns they'd like listed first in their issues and by choosing "Text" or "Newspaper" format for easy reading. Separate Print and online magazine subscriptions are available.

The second stop on your way to entrenching yourself in the philatelic community and obtaining information is to check out The American Philatelic Society at Stamps.org. Here you can browse over 270,613 items and 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 purchase stamps or get personal stamp information, you must become a member. Additionally, APS encourages members to get more involved in the philatelic community by listing activities and has a mentor program to answer all your stamp collecting questions directly.

You may want to find the exact worth on postage stamps -- or if you want to sell an expensive stamp, you'll need a certificate of authenticity. The APS offers an "expertizing service" utilizing high-tech equipment and over 140 specialists. They charge $25 on stamps worth under $1,000 or 2% of higher value stamps.

The next place to check for information is eBay (http://stamps.ebay.com/) and Craigslist.org, where buyers and sellers meet to trade. For an advanced and exhaustive international database, try eBay. On the other hand, Craigslist is a localized site connecting individuals. There are pros and cons to all online trading sites, but sometimes it's just enjoyable to browse what's offered. Generally it's an inexpensive way to bolster your collection or a good way to find that rare stamp.

Stamp collecting is only as enjoyable as you make it. By getting more information on postage stamps, you'll find a whole world open before you! President Roosevelt, an avid stamp collector, once said, "Stamp Collecting dispels boredom, enlarges our vision, broadens our knowledge, makes us better citizens and in innumerable ways, enriches our lives."