First off, I advised him that with stamp collecting, the choices are so vast that there is no right or wrong postage stamps to collect.  Pick one, pick many, it definitely does not matter!  Just have fun and enjoy the fantastic hobby.

Definitive postage stamps are considered regular issue postage stamps.  They are typically smaller in size in comparison to commemorative stamps and remain on sale indefinitely.  They are issued in many different denominations that can range from 1 cent to $5.00.

Commemorative postage stamps are issued to commemorate a special place, object, or to honor a specific person.  They are only sold for a limited time and usually have a face value of the current first class postage rate.

Over the years, both definitive and commemorative postages stamps have been saved in large quantities by those in the philatelic community.  Like with any other collectible item, you never know how valuable any particular stamp will become.  Some postage stamps grow in value quickly, while the value of others won’t be recognized for years to come.

Stamp Center has a huge selection of postage stamps from all around the world.  Stop by today to see what stamps you can add to your collection today.  We offer free shipping to our US customers and $4.50 flat rate shipping to our international customers.

All postage stamps have a historical value because they reflect the history, politics, art, economics and such of the government from which they are issued from.  The best thing about postage stamps is that no matter the country of issue, they all tell a story of sorts.

Some people choose to collect just one type of stamp.  Maybe you prefer a postage stamp with a picture of a cucumber or a perhaps Lucille Ball.  Maybe you like stamps that feature musicians, foreign stamps, politicians, folk art, sporting events, social issues, cartoon characters or even toys.  In the world of postage stamps, the possibilities are absolutely endless!

At Stamp Center you will find a huge selection of postage stamps representing countries all around the world.  We have many different varieties of stamps to delight all stamp collectors.  Stop by our store to see our selection of stamps, first day covers and entire stamp collections that we have in stock.  Stamp Center also purchases collections, so if you are looking for a new home for yours, we would love to hear from you!

If you are only interested in the stamp and not the envelope, here are some tips on how to safely remove the stamp from the envelope without causing damage so that it can be stored properly.

Before you begin soaking your envelopes, you should always put like kind of stamps together.  For example…red or purple cancellations should be in the same category, self adhesive stamps should be placed together, and stamps that are attached to colored or manila envelopes should be in the same category as well.  This way, you can try to stave off any color transfer problems if they arrive.

Before you place your stamps in the water, be sure to trim the excess envelope down.  Leaving about a quarter of an inch around the entire postage stamp is a good rule to follow.  Always take care to not cut any of the perforations as it will devalue the stamp that you are adding to your collection.

Please check back on Monday for Part II.

Stamp Dealers are a great resource for purchasing postage stamps.  They have extensive knowledge about their products and often times have entire collections available to purchase.

Stamp Center is a stamp collecting dealer that provides stamp collection values, stamp collection appraisals and also sells new issue foreign stamps from countries around the world.  Stamp Center is also able to locate those hard to find rare postage stamps for you that will make your collection complete.

Not only does Stamp Center strive to find some fantastic stamps to add to your collection, we also love to save our customers money.  Effective October 13, 2009, all orders shipped out to our customers in the United States and Canada will be sent out for free!  Our foreign customers will also enjoy our reduced flat rate shipping which is only $4.50!

Be sure to check out all of the amazing postage stamps that are available from countries near and far which are listed at Stamp Center.

Stamp Mounts…Stamp mounts are a fantastic way for you to be able to display your postage stamps without disturbing or damaging the original gum that is on the back of your stamp.  The back of the mount is coated with gum and attached to the album page while the front is of clear plastic sleeve where the postage stamp can be inserted.  Using stamp mounts is a little pricier of an option, but certainly worth it in the end because your stamp will not be altered and can be safely displayed on the page.

Stamp Albums…A stamp album is a book that contains pages specifically designed to display your stamp collection.  The pages are thick, the binding is strong, and acid-free paper is used so that your stamps will remain safe.  Most stamp albums produced today hold stamps of just one country or region.  Stamp albums come in many different sizes.  Most collectors use hinges on used stamps and mounts on mint stamps because hinges can leave a mark on the adhesive of a stamp.

If you have any questions about stamp collecting, stamp handling or stamp storage, contact a reputable Stamp Dealer who can answer all of your important questions.  If you are looking to add stamps to your collection, stop by Stamp Center to see the amazing selection of postage stamps that are in stock from around the world.

Magnifying glass…This instrument comes in quite handy whether you are a novice or experienced stamp collector.  They come in a variety of styles and prices, depending on what your preference is.  A magnifying glass will allow you to spot any small creases, tears, printing errors, and the design features that are present on a postage stamp.  A lens of 3 or 4 power is usually sufficient for most stamp collectors.

Tongs…This tool is specifically designed for picking up and handling postage stamps.  They are made from plastic or stainless steel.  It is always important to use tongs instead of your fingers when handling postage stamps so that you do not accidentally cause the stamp to crease or stain the postage stamp.

Stamp Hinges…Stamp hinges are an inexpensive way to organize your stamp collection.  They are small, folded pieces of glassine or paper, coated with gum; that are rectangular in size.  When you use the hinge, one end is moistened and gummed onto the back of the stamp album, and one onto the back of the stamp.  These hinges allow the stamp to remain firmly in place on the stamp page.

Please check back on Wednesday for the conclusion to this post.

The United States Postal Service issued a commemorative postage stamp on September 15, 2002 that paid tribute to Irving Berlin.  The stamp showcases one of his many song creations, “God Bless America” in script writing across the top.

Funny enough, Berlin had no official musical training.  He made his musical debut as a singing waiter in saloons.  He taught himself how to play the piano and by the age of 20, was hired as a lyricist.  His first major hit “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” came in 1911.  The song, and subsequent dance craze that followed, became an overnight hit not only in America and Russia, but around the world as well.  Over his lifetime, Berlin is credited with writing over 1,500 songs, scores for 18 Hollywood films and 19 Broadway shows.

God Bless America was originally written in 1918 for a WWI patriotic show when Berlin was in the Army.  Berlin had convinced his superior officers that he could best serve his country by producing a musical for the military.  At that time, many composers were writing patriotic songs in support of the war efforts.  Berlin was not happy with the solemn “God Bless America” once it was done and decided that it would not be part of the show he was creating so it was set aside to quite some time.

Please check back on Friday for the conclusion to this post.

Creedence Clearwater Revival was the first band to sign up to perform at Woodstock.  Soon afterwards, the superstar line-up ensued.  Originally, concert promoters were only planning on selling 200,000 tickets to the event.  Once word spread about the amazing music that would be played, people began making the jaunt to what was soon to be the biggest and best music festival of all time.  It soon became apparent that fencing the venue in was a problem and it was announced that the concert would be free to attendees.  Despite initial media reports of the event, the mood of the crowd was that of peace, love and harmony. 

Although the United States Postal Service has not recognized Woodstock with a commemorative postage stamp, Guyana has and Stamp Center has some classic Woodstock Tie Die postage stamps and Woodstock Gold and Silver Foil postage stamps in stock for you.

Although it may seem rather old-fashioned next to activities like video games, if you can spark a child’s interest in stamp collecting, you will help stoke the fires of intellectual curiosity. You can learn so much about the world through stamps—geography, culture, and history for starters.

This is why the American Philatelic Society has created a kit to help young collectors explore the world of stamps. The kit includes information on how to start a collection, packets of used stamps (U.S. and foreign), a perforation gauge, a magnifier, stamp tongs, hinges and stock cards. When you buy the kit for a young person in your life, they will also receive an application for half a year’s membership in the APS’ Young Stamp Collectors of America. By joining this group they can connect with other young stamp collectors on the web. Being able to interact with other kids will make the stamp collecting experience even more enjoyable.

You can visit http://www.stamps.org/ or call (814) 933-3803 to learn more about the kit.