Free Happy Philatelists Land

Philately, or the study of stamps, has captured the attention of many world wide over the years. This fascination with stamps and the history that surrounds them has led to a leisure pursuit related to philately, which is collecting stamps.

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Usually, stamp collection begins with the acquisition of a first couple of stamps and the choice of a particular classification of stamps where the collector will focus his or her efforts on. The continued possession of the stamps is done either through personal letters, the postal office, trading with fellow collectors, or collectible stamp dealers, rare and high quality stamps under the chosen classification.

However, while it may seem that a philatelic hobby is far too difficult or obscure, it actually is not. The collection and study of stamps is not a completely novel idea; over 110 countries worldwide have a sort of society for philatelists .

In the United States of America, philatelists banded together in the year 1886 under the umbrella of the American Philatelic Society (APS). The APS provides its members not only an avenue to meet fellow enthusiasts, but also various services and informational programs to assist and enhance the collecting experience. Over this long span of time, the APS has survived by donations, various publications, payment for its services, receipt of its members" dues. In the country, there are more than 40, 000 philatelists officially part of the APS. This huge number is maintained by the fact that various states hold annual philatelic assembles for enthusiasts in the area to meet and convene. Another philatelic association in the United States known similarly for its expertise is the Philatelic Foundation.

Various classified collection are available. This includes postage stamps from other countries, postage stationery, revenue stamps, or first day cover stamps, etc.

However, one particular stamp type is more or less distinctive to the United States of America . These are Federal Duck stamps, which are used mainly for licenses for duck hunters. These were created with the primary goal to conserve ducks and their immediate environment.

First-day covers (FDCs), which are more and more becoming popular with stamp collectors, are stamped envelopes cancelled on the very date the stamp is issued. The later designs of FDCs bear the theme of a particular stamp's issue, otherwise known as a cachet. Known philatelist George W. Linn cacheted the first FDC in the year 1923 for the Harding Memorial stamps. Today, cachet making is measured as an art by drawing directly on the envelope, lithography, block printing, and laser printing, among others.

The trend of philately and stamp collecting in the United States may continue to grow over the years. Critics predicted a decrease in philately with the emergence of the Internet and email since the nineties. However, the constant demand for stamps and the volume and frequency of turnover of stamp design continually increase over the years, bringing much enjoyment and celebration to the world of philately.

http://stampsforcollecting.com