tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210008302011-12-14T21:49:22.529-05:00Giving the stamp collector a place to find information and resources needed to fulfill all his requirementsofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.comBlogger361100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-23481127695266585142007-08-11T23:06:00.000-04:002007-08-11T23:13:52.776-04:00

Since 1981 the U.S. Postal Service has designated the month of October as National Stamp Collecting Month (NSCM).Developed to introduce children ages 8-12 to this popular and educational hobby, the NSCM program is also intended to raise awareness about the recreational benefits of stamp collecting among all age groups.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-13615428489410891972007-06-09T23:21:00.000-04:002007-06-09T23:23:44.870-04:00

PhotoStamps are an exciting new product that lets you take your own images or photographs and turn them into real U.S. postage! To create PhotoStamps all you need to do is upload a photo, customize it using our fun, easy-to-use interface, and place your order.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-13054024814401489392007-05-28T00:36:00.000-04:002007-05-28T00:41:20.236-04:00

One of the world's most popular hobbies, philately is the study and collection of stamps. Many hobbyists collect regular postage stamps, others collect special-use issues—some of which are unrelated to postal service. National postal administrations or smaller political entities and their lawful competitors issue stamps. So too do local posts, express companies, and even forgers.While hobbyists

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-38027688093417874672007-02-06T23:25:00.000-05:002007-02-06T23:26:19.215-05:00

What can you call a hobby which teaches so much—in addition to providing fun and pleasure. Philately helps instruct the collector in geography, biography, history, culture and art. Stamps are miniature gateways to the world.Stamp collecting has very few rules. You don't have to buy expensive sneakers or rackets to enjoy it. However, there are a few simple things to remember when collecting stamps.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1166589230406487172006-12-19T23:08:00.000-05:002006-12-19T23:33:50.780-05:00

>>> >>> Crops of the Americas>>> By: Maria Teresa Villaverde Trujillo>>>> Artist Steve Buchanan, of Winsted, Connecticut, -New England-, created each of the next five stamp designs.> As reference, he used slide photographs made by his wife Rita Buchanan's research in the late 1970s on indigenous agricultural methods in the southwestern United States. The crops depicted in the stamps> —corn, chili

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1165181682191168212006-12-03T16:31:00.000-05:002006-12-03T16:34:42.543-05:00

Yes! Stamp clubs can be a great source for new stamps and for stamp collecting advice. These clubs often meet at schools, YMCAs and community centers. Ask your local postmaster or librarian for the locations of stamp clubs in your area, or view the list of Organizations & Resources below:OrganizationsPhilatelic CentersMuseums, libraries, and displaysFree periodicalsLiteratureForeign Postal

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1162446530748788202006-11-02T00:47:00.000-05:002006-11-02T00:49:04.980-05:00

* Plate Blocks usually consist of four stamps from the corner of a pane, with the printing plate number in the margin (or selvage) of the pane. * Copyright Blocks feature the copyright symbol © followed by "United States Postal Service" or "USPS" in the margin of the pane. The USPS began copyrighting new stamp designs in 1978. * Booklet Panes are panes of three or more of the same stamp

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1158029384944001302006-09-11T22:44:00.000-04:002006-09-11T22:49:45.366-04:00

* Postal stationery products are popular among some collectors. These have the stamp designs printed or embossed (printed with a raised design) directly on them.* Stamped Envelopes were first issued in 1853. More than 600 million of them are now printed each year.* Postal Cards were first issued in 1873. The first U.S. multicolored commemorative postal cards came out in 1956. Several different

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1155566805149125032006-08-14T10:45:00.000-04:002006-08-14T10:46:45.676-04:00

Stamp dealers put stamps into categories according to their condition. Look at the pictured examples to see the differences among categories. A stamp in mint condition is the same as when purchased from the post office. An unused stamp has no cancel but may not have any gum on the back. Mint stamps are usually worth more than unused stamps. You can begin to judge the condition of a stamp by

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1154719328846844332006-08-04T15:21:00.000-04:002006-08-04T15:22:08.926-04:00

Ask yourself two questions: "How rare is it?" and "What condition is it in?" The price listed in a stamp catalog gives you some idea of how rare it is. However, the stamp may sell at more or less than the catalog price, depending on its condition. Always try to find stamps in the best possible condition.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1154718756316952392006-08-04T15:11:00.000-04:002006-08-04T15:12:36.886-04:00

Ask yourself two questions: "How rare is it?" and "What condition is it in?" The price listed in a stamp catalog gives you some idea of how rare it is. However, the stamp may sell at more or less than the catalog price, depending on its condition. Always try to find stamps in the best possible condition.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1153796147430499722006-07-24T22:53:00.000-04:002006-07-24T22:55:47.720-04:00

Here's a list of other equipment you may find helpful: Glassine envelopes are made of a special thin, see-through paper that protects stamps from grease and air. You can use them to keep stamps until you put them in your album. A stamp catalog is a reference book with illustrations to help you identify stamps. It also lists the values of used and unused stamps. A magnifying glass helps you

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1151296852900699462006-06-26T00:39:00.000-04:002006-06-26T00:40:53.133-04:00

It's best to use a hinge -- a small strip of thin plastic with gum on one side. Unlike tape or glue, hinges let you peel the stamp off the page without damaging it. Hinges come either folded or unfolded. Here's how to use a folded hinge: 1. Moisten the short end of the hinge lightly. Press it to the back of the stamp, placing the fold about 1/8 inch from the top of the stamp. 2. Place the

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1149691421231696212006-06-07T10:42:00.000-04:002006-06-07T10:43:41.590-04:00

Some stamp albums feature specific categories with pictures of the stamps that should appear on each page. You may want to select one with loose-leaf pages so you can add pages as your collection grows. A stock book is an album with plastic or paper pockets on each page. There are no pictures of stamps, so you can organize the album your way.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1149389168501938902006-06-03T22:39:00.000-04:002006-06-03T22:46:11.056-04:00

After eight days of hectic activity the Washington 06 closed at 6 PM today. During the eight days at the Washington D C Convention center thousands visited and discovered the excitement, history, and fun of stamp collecting.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1149024406901744372006-05-30T17:26:00.000-04:002006-05-30T17:26:47.826-04:00

The exhibition opened on Saturday and it is comprised of an ooutstanding 3,500 competitive frames. This makes Washington 2006 the standard for displaying the best exhibits philately has to offer.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1148832077019422122006-05-28T11:49:00.000-04:002006-05-28T12:01:17.396-04:00

For the entire 8 days of Washington 2006 the American Stamp Dealers Association is sponsonring experts at the show that will evaluate your old stamp collection for free. Any one in the public can bring stamps, stamp-bearing envelopes and documents, other ephemera collectibles such as postcards, trade cards and stock and bond certificates for an informal assessment of their value.Who knows, you

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1148768995315357192006-05-27T18:10:00.000-04:002006-05-27T18:34:00.990-04:00

Here are some of the activities that will be going on today at the show.Special Day and Cancel: Wonders of America DayTheme Cancel:Honoring CollectorsThe opening ceremonies will start at 9:30 AM. This includes U.S. First Day Ceremony. Wonders of America: Land of the Superlatives. This an official Washington 2006 event.The show opens at 10:30 AM. There will be many activities going on throghout

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1148350846383539892006-05-22T22:15:00.000-04:002006-05-22T22:20:47.223-04:00

The Washington 2006 competitive exhibition jury is comprised of experienced judges from around the world. The judges are accrdited by the Federation Internationale de Philatelie (F.I.P.).The jury is made up of a total of 42 judges from 22 countries. Roughly the F.I.P. requires one juror per 100 competitive frames.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1148072103740066432006-05-19T16:54:00.000-04:002006-05-23T11:27:05.110-04:00

Educational Opportunities-Come learn about the hobby of stamp collecting! Youth and beginner programs will be offered to all, with more advanced courses and seminars as well.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1147963338942233832006-05-18T10:14:00.000-04:002006-05-18T10:42:19.560-04:00

The Washington 2006 world philatelic exhibition taking place May 27-June 3 at the Washington DC Convention Center. This exhibition is held once-a-decade and it is a must-see event.The time of the start of the opening ceremony on Saturday, May 27 is 10 AM and will incorporate the first day ceremony for the U.S. Postal Service’s release of the “Wonders of America”. Washington 2006 officially opens

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1147708701901135762006-05-15T11:57:00.000-04:002006-05-15T11:58:22.350-04:00

However you want to, of course - it's your collection. But be sure to protect them so they don't get damaged or lost. You can attach your stamps to loose-leaf paper and put them in a three-ring binder. Or, arrange them in a more formal album, which you can buy in stores.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1147451087045732512006-05-12T12:23:00.000-04:002006-05-12T12:24:47.413-04:00

If you wish, you can save whole envelopes with stamps on them and store them anywhere -- from shoe boxes to special albums. But if you want to remove stamps from envelopes, it pays to be careful. The best way to remove stamps from envelopes is to soak them. Here's how:Tear or cut off the upper right-hand corner of the envelope.Place it, stamp side down, in a small pan of warm water. After a few

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1146057822996984832006-04-26T09:22:00.000-04:002006-04-26T09:23:43.470-04:00

No! Start with used stamps and a few inexpensive accessories (such as a small album and a package of hinges), and you can have a great time on a limited budget. Remember to put stamps, albums and hinges on your birthday and holiday wish lists, too!

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1145332469751322772006-04-17T23:53:00.000-04:002006-04-17T23:54:30.123-04:00

It's easy. You can start by simply saving stamps from letters, packages and postcards. Ask your friends and family to save stamps from their mail. Neighborhood businesses that get a lot of mail - banks, stores, travel agencies - might save their envelopes for you, too. Or, start your collection by choosing one or two favorite subjects. Then, collect only stamps that fit your theme - art

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1144206108052381602006-04-04T23:01:00.000-04:002006-04-04T23:01:48.470-04:00

Introduction to PhilatelyWhat can you call a hobby which teaches so much—in addition to providing fun and pleasure. Philately helps instruct the collector in geography, biography, history, culture and art. Stamps are miniature gateways to the world. Stamp collecting has very few rules. You don't have to buy expensive sneakers or rackets to enjoy it. However, there are a few simple things to

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1143441081027609882006-03-27T01:17:00.000-05:002006-03-27T01:31:21.406-05:00

The Smithsonian.s National Philatelic Collection was established in 1886 with the donation of a sheet of 10-cent Confederate postage stamps. Today it encompasses more than 13 million objects and includes one-of a-kind philatelic material from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the U.S. Postal Service, such as the certified plate proof collection and stamp design files.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1141534057497665262006-03-04T23:46:00.000-05:002006-03-04T23:47:44.670-05:00

The National Postal Museum celebrates the beauty and lore of stamps, showcasing rare stamps and covers from the Museum's renowned collection. A stamp is much more than the physical evidence that postage has been paid. Stamps can be miniature works of art, treasured keepsakes, and rare collectibles.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1140403843471812392006-02-19T21:48:00.000-05:002006-02-19T21:50:43.810-05:00

The Smithsonian Philatelic Achievement Award honors Americans and individuals from around the world for outstanding lifetime accomplishments in the field of philately. The achievements can include original research that significantly advances our understanding of philately and postal history; exceptional service to the philatelic community, and, the overall promotion of philately for the benefit

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1139455699921601932006-02-08T22:25:00.000-05:002006-02-08T22:28:20.176-05:00

The National Postal Museum An American history museum that offers uniquely personal stories and interactive insight into our nation's postal history and philately. The premier forum for examination of the key public policy issues that will affect postal service throughout the 21st century. Home to one of the world's most comprehensive library resources on philately and postal history, serving the

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1138251612482194092006-01-25T23:59:00.000-05:002006-01-26T00:00:12.613-05:00

The National Postal Museum, a Smithsonian Institution museum, is located in the old Post Office building next to Union Station in Washington, D.C. The Museum was created by an agreement between the Smithsonian Institution and the United States Postal Service in 1990 and opened to the public in 1993. The Museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except December 25. Admission is

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1137989666437009122006-01-22T22:49:00.000-05:002006-01-22T23:14:26.810-05:00

A great option for stamp collectors and for stamp club owners who would like to enlarge their philatelic library and save money at the same time is to buy used. If you are a stamp collector that does not require the latest edition of a catalogue or a book a very good option is to buy used. There are many web sites offering to buy and sell used philatelic books and catalogues. On sites

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1137644733326775812006-01-18T23:25:00.000-05:002006-01-18T23:25:33.656-05:00

No living person shall be honored by portrayal on U.S. postage.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1137475888710078142006-01-17T00:30:00.000-05:002006-01-17T00:31:28.713-05:00

Below is an article from USPS on it's Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee and the role of the committee in the subjects chosen to appear on U.S. stamps and postal stationery. For your reading......Citizens' Stamp Advisory CommitteeLearn More About It……The U.S. Postal Service is proud of its role in portraying the American experience to a world audience through the issuance of postage stamps and

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1137475235976701932006-01-17T00:20:00.000-05:002006-01-17T00:20:35.976-05:00

I am finishing a visit to San Francisco for an internet marketing seminar. It has been 4 days of full time studying. No time to research any philatelic ongoings in the city.Last time I was in San Francisco the purpose of my visit was a philatelic exhibition in 1995.

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21000830.post-1137309884348636012006-01-15T02:16:00.000-05:002006-01-15T02:24:45.120-05:00

This blog is created for the purpose of providing stamp collectors with topnotch resources for creating, enhancing and maintaining a philatelic collection. I will put my expertise on stamp collecting at the service of those who are interested in the fascinating field of postage stamps their history and evolution throughout time. The blog will provide current information on the best resources

ofeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16799752011020122378noreply@blogger.com1