Stamps 101

Stamp collecting is one of the most popular hobbies around, you can spend lots of money or you can collect casually and not spend any money at all. One  of easiest ways to start collecting is to start saving the stamps off of your mail, you may also join a fan club that will send you random selections that you can buy or send back. You can also go to a hobby store and pick up a book and a beginners pack that will have the essentials you will need to start collecting.
Some countries make stamps just to sell to collectors, and make a substantial amount of money.

 

The First stamp ever printed was Great Britain's Penny Post also known as the Penny Black. It was issued in 1840 on May 1st for official use on the 6th of May. The Queen Victoria profile remained on stamps for the next 60 years. After the first stamp was issued people started collecting almost immediately. 

After you start saving your stamps you will want to put them in a book using hinges or sleeves. Never glue your stamps into the book. Some other useful supplies would be a magnifying glass and a pair of tweezers so you don't have to touch them. 

Have fun starting your new hobby! This is a great project for kids. Because they can learn about different countries while collecting. And many stamps have historical value also. Stamps are also very colorful and artistic.