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Beginning a stamp collection can be a fairly simple endeavor, or if not thought out properly an overwhelming task. A few basic questions have to be asked. #1) What age is this collection going to be geared for? #2) How extensive (or complete) do I want the collection to be. #3) Are there any areas of concentration that I want focus on. #4) What is my budget or budget guidelines.For a young beginning collector, the answers can be quite simple. Beginner albums and stamp packets can be the …

The first characters fans meet in the first “Star Wars” film, “Star Wars: A New Hope,” are droids — namely C-3PO and R2-D2 — and droids have continued to play pivotal roles throughout the “Star Wars” galaxy.With 10 dazzling new character-inspired stamps, the Postal Service salutes beloved droids from the “Star Wars” galaxy and the imagination that brings these technological marvels to the screen.Representing more than four decades of innovation and storytelling, the droids featured in this pane …

America’s First Postage Stamps In the 1840s, United States postal authorities were carefully watching the world’s reaction to Great Britain’s Penny Black, the first adhesive postage stamp. An adhesive stamp was being considered for use in the U.S. When Robert H. Morris, postmaster of New York, proposed issuing a provisional stamp, there were no objections. Morris assumed the printing cost, and in 1845, the first U.S. postmaster’s provisional was issued. Other postmasters followed suit, prov …

When we think of American legends- Johnny Appleseed, Rip van Winkel, Tom Sawyer and numerous other fictional and real folk heroes, their stories can inspire emotions of nationalism and altruistic dedication to a nation's people.Since the early 1950's, each year a consortium of European nations, issue a stamp or stamp series based on a common theme.  This year's theme is myths and legends.Stamps are have been issues featuring characters from Greek mythology, mermaids, ghosts, and larger than …

In 1926, the US Post Office under the direction of Postmaster General Harry S. New, issued the first souvenir sheet in New York for the International Philatelic Exhibit.  The special miniature sheet was comprised of 25 singe-design stamps commemorating the Battle of White Plains fought in 1776. This sheet is considered one of the classic US "must haves" for any serious US collection. Condition of the sheet is extremely important since many of the sheets have been hinged or gum dis …