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Stamp CollectingT H E A R T O F

Stamp collecting can be a lifetime hobby.It’s fun and educational for all ages andit’s easy to start your own collection without a big investment. Read on to findout how you can start or build your veryown collection.

The study of stamps and postal materialsis called philately and collectors are some-times called philatelists.

How do I start collecting stamps?

It’s easy. You can start by simply savingstamps from letters, packages, and post-cards. Ask your friends and family tosave stamps from their mail.Neighborhood businesses that get a lot ofmail—banks, stores, travel agencies—might save their envelopes for you too.

Or you can start your own collection bychoosing one or two of your favorite sub-jects. Many beginning collectors choose asubject like art, history, sports, trans-portation, science or animals as thetheme of their collection. This is calledtopical collecting. See the stamps picturedon this page as examples of the manytopics you can collect.

Will it cost me a lot to start a collection?

No! Start with used stamps and you canhave a great time on a limited budgetwith just a few inexpensive accessoriessuch as an album and stamp hinges.

What kinds of stamps are there?

There are a number of different types ofstamps. Their purposes can be describedas commemorative, definitive, and spe-cial; their formats can be in sheets, book-lets, or coils. Stamps may be conventionaladhesive (“lick-and-stick”) or self-adhe-sive (“no-lick, peel-and-stick”).

Definitive stamps (also called “regularissues”) are the most common type ofpostage. Generally less than an inchsquare, they are printed in large quanti-ties, and often more than once. Theirdenominations can range from 1¢ to $14.Definitives are usually available for sever-al years, since they’re printed in largequantities for specific postal rates.

Commemorative stamps, larger and morecolorful than definitives, are printed insmaller quantities and typically onlyonce. They honor people, events, or sub-jects of importance to American life andculture. They remain on sale for a limitedperiod of time, generally about a year;many post offices carry them for only afew months. The U.S. Postal Service’sPhilatelic Fulfillment Center also offerscommemorative stamps by mail order forabout one year after they are issued.

Special stamps supplement each year’sregular stamp issues. They includeHoliday Celebrations, Christmas, Love,international rate, Priority Mail, andExpress Mail. They also are usually onsale for only a limited time.

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TheArt of Stamp Collecting

Booklet

5. Place the stamp between twopaper towels and put a heavyobject, such as a book, on top.This will keep the stamp fromcurling as it dries. Leave overnight.

6. If the stamp is a newer one with“invisible” gum, dry it face downwith nothing touching the back andflatten it later if necessary.Otherwise, it may stick to the papertowel when drying.

How should I organize my stamps?

However you want to of course—it’s your collection. But be sure to protectthem so they don’t get

damaged or lost. You can attach yourstamps to loose-leaf paper and put themin a three-ring binder. Or, the best way isto store them in a stamp album whichyou can buy in stores.

How do I put a stamp in the album?

It’s best to use a stamp hinge—a smallstrip of thin plastic with gum on one side.Unlike tape or glue, hinges allow you topeel the stamp off the page without dam-aging it. Hinges come either folded orunfolded.

Booklet stamps are designed to be foldedinto a convenient unit. They come insmall folders that contain panes of 3 to20 stamps each. Gummed booklet stampshave at least one straight edge.

Coil stamps are issued in rolls. Each coilhas two straight edges and two edgeswith either slit-like cuts or holes calledperforations.

How do I remove stamps from an envelope?

If you wish you can save whole envelopeswith stamps on them and store them any-where—from shoe boxes to specialalbums. But if you want to removestamps from envelopes it pays to be verycareful. Soaking is the best way toremove stamps from envelopes.

Here’s how:

1. Tear or cut off the envelope aroundthe stamp, leaving a small margin.

2. With the stamp facing down, place into a pan of warm, not hot, water. After a few minutes (self-adhesive gum may take longer), the stamp should sink to the bottom.

3. Wait a few more minutes for any remaining gum to dislodge from the stamp.

4. Lift the stamp out preferably usingstamp tongs (a metal tool, like tweezers.)It is best to handle stamps with tongsbecause the oil from your skin can damage stamps.

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SpecialCoil

Definitive Commemorative

How should I judge the condition of a stamp?

Stamp dealers put stamps into categoriesaccording to their condition. A stamp in(unused) mint condition is the same aswhen purchased from the Post Office. Aused stamp is one that has been canceled.

To evaluate the condition of a stamp,first look at the front of it. Are the colorsbright or faded? Is the stamp clean, dirty,or stained? Is it torn or creased? Torn stamps are not considered “collectible,” but they can be used as space fillers until you get better ones. Is the stamp design centered on the paper, crooked or

off to one side? Centering canrange from “superb” (perfectly

centered on the stamp) to“good” (the design on atleast one side is marredsomewhat by the perfs).Anything less would

be graded “fair” or“poor” and, like torn

copies, should be saved only as spacefillers. Centering varies widely on olderstamps. An examination of the back ofthe stamp will reveal whether it has beencarelessly treated and thus is less valuable.Are all of the perforations intact? Has thestamp been canceled? A stamp with alight cancellation is in better conditionthan one with heavy marks across it.

See examples of these categories picturedon the next page.

Here’s how to use a folded hinge:

1. Moisten the short end of the hingelightly. Press it to the back of the stamp,placing the fold about 1/8” from the topof the stamp.

2. Place the stamp in the album and pressdown to secure it.

3. Using your tongs, gently lift the cor-ners of the stamp to make sure it’s notstuck to the page.

Instead of a stamp hinge, you can insertthe entire stamp into a stamp mount—a small, clear plastic sleeve. Mounts are more expensive than hinges, but they protect stamps from air, dirt andmoisture.

Is there anything else I need?

Collectors use a variety of other materialsand accessories. Transparent glassineenvelopes protect stamps from grease and air. A stamp catalog is a referencebook with illustrations and stamp values, such as The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps. A magnifying glass is useful when examining stamps; tongsare used to pick up and move stamps. A perforation gauge measures perforations along the edges of stamps. Watermark fluid will enhance a watermark, a design or pattern that is pressed into some stamp paperduring manufacturing.

How can I tell what a stamp is worth?

When figuring the value of a stamp, askyourself two questions: “How rare is it?”and “What condition is it in?” Stampcatalog prices will give you an idea ofhow rare the stamp is. However, thestamp may sell at more or less than thecatalog price, depending on its condition.Stamp dealers categorize stamps accord-ing to their condition. Always try to findstamps in the best possible condition.Hinge marks on mint stamps can reducevalue, which is why stamp mounts arerecommended for mint stamps.

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Where else can I find stamps?

Check the classified ads in philatelicnewspapers and magazines at your locallibrary. There is a listing of philatelicresources on page 19 of this publication

where you increase your knowledge ofcollecting stamps. You can also

check the listing of philatelicpublishers in The Postal

Service Guide to U.S.Stamps. These publishers will

send you one free copy of theirpublication then you can decide if you’dlike to subscribe. There are also a num-ber of stamp-related sites on the internet.

What other stamp materials can I collect?

Postal stationery products are popularamong philatelists. These have the stampdesigns printed or embossed (printedwith a raised design) directly on them.

Stamped Envelopes were first issued in1853. More than 600 million of them arenow printed each year.

Stamped Cards (or postal cards) werefirst issued in 1873. The first multicol-ored commemorative postal cards cameout in 1956. Several different stampedcards are issued every year.

Aerogrammes (air letters) are designed tobe letters and envelopes all in one. Theyare specially stamped, marked for foldingand already gummed.

Other philatelic collectibles include:

Plate numbers (including plate blocks)appear on or adjacent to stamps. Foundmost often on sheet stamps, plate blocksare the stamps—usually a group of 4—that have the printing plate numbers inthe adjoining selvage, or margin.

Booklet panes are panes of stampsaffixed in, or as part of, a thin folder toform a booklet. With self-adhesivestamps, a newer convertible booklet for-mat has been created so that the stamps,liner and booklet are all on one unit.Collectors of booklet panes usually savethe entire pane or booklet.

Marginal blocks (including copyrightblocks) feature marginal inscriptionsother than plate numbers. The most common is the copyright block, whichfeatures the copyright symbol ©, copy-right date, and U.S. Postal Service. All U.S. stamp designs since 1978 are copyrighted.

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Light Cancel–Very Fine Heavy CancelMedium Cancel–Fine

Superb

Good

FineVery Fine

First Day of Issue Ceremony Programsare given to those who attend first dayceremonies. They contain a list of partici-pants, information on the stamp subject,and the actual stamp attached and post-marked in a handsomely designed folder.

First Day Covers (FDCs) are envelopesbearing new stamps postmarked on thefirst day of sale. For each new issuance,the U.S. Postal Service generally selectsone location, usually related to the stampsubject, as the place for the first day dedi-cation ceremony and the first day post-mark.

Are there any stamp groups I can join?

Yes! Stamp clubs are a great source fornew stamps and stamp collecting advice.Ask your local postmaster or librarianabout stamp clubs in your area and con-tact information including Internet sites.

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and send it to the first day post office forcancellation. You can submit up to 50envelopes, up to 30 days after the stamp’sissue date.

Here’s how:

1. Write your address in the lower right-hand corner of each first day envelope, atleast 5/8” from the bottom. Leave plentyof room for the stamp(s) and cancella-tion. Use a peel-off label if you prefer.

2. Insert a piece of cardboard (about asthick as a postcard) into each envelope.You can tuck the flap in or seal the envelope.

3. Affix your stamp(s) to your first dayenvelope(s).

How do I collect First Day Covers?

The fastest way to get a First DayCover is to buy the stamp yourself (it will usually go on sale the day afterthe first day of issue), attach it to your own envelope (or cover),

4. Put your first day envelope(s) insideanother, larger envelope and mail it to“Customer-Affixed Envelopes” in care ofthe postmaster of the first day city. Yourenvelopes will be canceled and returned.

Or, you can purchase a plain envelopewith the stamp(s) already affixed and can-celed. These are now sold directly by mailorder through the U.S. Postal Service.

Digital Color Postmark First DayCovers

Since 2005, some cancellations are nowbeing created as beautiful miniatureworks of art specifically designed foreach stamp. These collectibles can be pur-chased as sets for each year. Products canbe ordered by calling 1 800 STAMP-24or online at www.usps.com.

AMERICAN ★ COMMEMORATIVE ★ COLLECTIBLES

American Commemorative Panels

Obtain photo or steel engravings, mint

condition stamps in acetate mounts and

subject related text presented on a beauti-

fully designed page.

American CommemorativeCancellations

Get official first day of issue cancellations

and stamp(s) affixed to sheets featuring

technical and historical information about

the stamps.

Standing Order Program

Mix and match Stamps, First Day Covers,

Stationery, Uncut Press Sheets tailored to

your own specific taste in quantities that

you choose.

American CommemorativeCollection

Collect and learn about people, anniver-

saries, places and events with detailed

stories and the stamps are mounted in

a protective stamp mount.

For information on more philatelic products call 1 800 STAMP-24

Here are additional philatelic products to add to your collection

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Digital Color Postmark Program

Now you can have First Day Covers cancelled with wonderfully colorful DigitalColor Postmarks customized to match the stamps that are issued.

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Black Heritage:Ella FitzgeraldJanuary 10, 2007New York, NY

Oklahoma StatehoodJanuary 11, 2007Oklahoma City, OK

With Love and KissesJanuary 13, 2007Hershey. PA

Literary Arts:Henry WadsworthLongfellowMarch 15, 2007New York, NY

International Polar Year Souvenir SheetFebruary 21, 2007Fairbanks, AK

Forever Stamp™

April 12, 2007Philadelphia, PA

American FlagApril 12, 2007Washington, DC

Florida PantherMay 12, 2007Washington, DC

Ella Fitzgerald® licensed by CMG Worldwide, Indianapolis, IN.

HERSHEY’S, KISSES, the plume and the product configuration are registered trademarks used with permission from The Hershey Company.

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The Settlement of JamestownMay 11, 2007

Jamestown,VA

Pineapple Stamped CardMay 12, 2007

Washington, DC

Horses Stamped EnvelopeMay 12, 2007

Washington, DC

VISIT US ONLINE AT THE POSTAL STORE

AT WWW.USPS.COM OR CALL 1 800 STAMP-24

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Bighorn SheepMay 14, 2007Washington, DC

Star Wars May 25, 2007 Los Angeles, CA

Hagåtña Bay, GuamJune 1, 2007Barrigada, GU

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DistinguishedAmericans:Margaret ChaseSmithJune 13, 2007Washington, DC

DistinguishedAmericans:Harriet BeecherStoweJune 13, 2007Washington, DC

Air Force OnePriority Mail®June 13, 2007Washington, DC

Pacific Lighthouses June 21, 2007 Westport, WA

Pollination June 29, 2007 Washington, DC

Marine OneExpress Mail®June 13, 2007Washington, DC

HeartsJune 27, 2007Washington, DC

Celebrate!August 17, 2007Stamford, CT

Legends of Hollywood:James StewartAugust 17, 2007Los Angeles, CA

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Marvel Super Heroes July 26, 2007 San Diego, CA

American Treasures: LouisComfort TiffanyAugust 9, 2007Portland, OR

Beautiful BloomsAugust 10, 2007Portland, OR

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Vintage Mahogany SpeedboatsAugust 4, 2007Clayton, NY

The Art of Disney: MagicAugust 16, 2007Orlando , FL

Gerald FordAugust 21, 2007Rancho Mirage, CAand Grand Rapids, MI

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Nature of America: Alpine Tundra August 28, 2007 Estes Park, CO

Holiday KnitsOctober 25, 2007New York, NY

Christmas: Bernardino LuiniMadonna of theCarnationOctober 25, 2007New York, NY

Polar Lights October 1, 2007 Washington, DC

Jury DutySeptember 12, 2007New York, NY

Mendez v. WestminsterSchool DistrictSeptember 14, 2007Santa Ana, CA

AccessoriesThe tools used by stampcollectors, such as tongs,hinges, etc.

AerogrammesAir letters designed to beletters and envelopes all inone. They are specially-stamped and ready forfolding.

AerophilatelyStamp collecting thatfocuses on airmail stampsor postage.

AlbumA book designed to holdstamps and covers.

ApprovalsStamps sent by a dealer toa collector for examina-tion. Approvals musteither be bought orreturned to the dealerwithin a specified time.

BlockA group of unseparatedstamps, at least twostamps high and twostamps wide.

Booklet PaneA small sheet of stampsspecially cut to be sold in booklets.

BourseA marketplace, such as astamp exhibition, wherestamps are bought, sold,or exchanged.

Cachet (ka-shay´)A stamp related design on an envelope.

CancellationA mark placed on a stampby a postal authority toshow that the stamp hasbeen used.

CenteringThe position of the designon a postage stamp. Onperfectly centered stampsthe design is exactly in themiddle.

Cinderella Any stamp-like label with-out an official postalvalue.

ClassicAn early stamp issue.

CoilsStamps issued in rolls (one stamp wide) for usein dispensers or vendingmachines.

Coil Stamps Stamps that are producedin a long vertical or hori-zontal strip.

CommemorativesStamps that honoranniversaries, importantpeople, special events, or aspects of national culture.

Compound PerforationsDifferent gauge perfora-tions on different sides(normally adjacent) of asingle stamp.

ConditionCondition is the mostimportant characteristic in determining the valueof a stamp. It refers to thestate of a stamp regardingsuch details as centering,color and gum.

CoverAn envelope that has beensent through the mail.

Cracked PlateA term used to describestamps which showevidence that the platefrom which they wereprinted was cracked.

DefinitivesRegular issues of postagestamps, usually sold overlong periods of time. Theytend to be fairly small andprinted in large quantitiesoften more than once.

DenominationThe postage value appear-ing on a stamp.

Die CutScoring of self-adhesivestamps that allows astamp to be separatedfrom the liner.

Directory MarkingsPostal markings that indicate a failed deliveryattempt, stating reasonssuch as “No SuchNumber” or “AddressUnknown.”

Double TransferThe condition on a print-ing plate that shows evi-dence of a duplication ofall or part of the design.

DuplicatesExtra copies of stampsthat can be sold or traded.Duplicates should beexamined carefully forcolor and perforationvariations.

EntireAn intact piece of postalstationery, in contrast to a cut-out of the printeddesign.

ErrorA stamp with somethingincorrect in its design ormanufacture.

Face ValueThe monetary value, ordenomination, of a stamp.

FakeA genuine stamp that hasbeen altered in some wayto make it more attractiveto collectors. It may berepaired, reperfed, orregummed to resemble amore valuable variety.

First Day Cover (FDC)An envelope or card bear-ing a stamp cancelled toshow its issuance date andplace.

Glossary of Stamp Collecting Words and Phrases

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Hologram An image that appears tobe three-dimensionalwhen viewed from anangle. Holograms haveappeared on some modernstamps and stationery.

ImperforateIndicates stamps withoutperforations.

Laid PaperWhen held to the light,the paper shows alternatelight and dark crossedlines.

Line Pairs (LP)Most coil stamp rollsprior to 1981 feature aline of ink (known as a“joint line”) printedbetween two stamps atvarious intervals, causedby the joining of two ormore curved plates aroundthe printing cylinder.

LinerThe backing paper for self-adhesive stamps.

LoupeA magnifying glass usedto examine details ofstamps more closely.

On PaperStamps “on paper” arethose that still have por-tions of the original enve-lope or wrapper attached.

OverprintAdditional printing on astamp that was not partof the original design.

PacketA presorted group of dif-ferent stamps, a commonand economical way tobegin a stamp collection.

PaneA full “sheet” of stampsas sold by a Post Office.

Par AvionFrench for mail trans-ported “by air.”

PictorialsStamps with a picture ofsome sort, other than portraits or static designssuch as coats of arms.

PerforationsLines of small holes orcuts between stamps thatmake them easy to sepa-rate.

Perforation GaugeA tool used to measureperforations along theedges of stamps or the distance between peaks or ridges.

PhilatelyThe collection and studyof postage stamps andother postal materials.

Plate Block (PB) (or Plate Number Block)A block of stamps withthe margin attached thatbears the plate numberused in printing that sheet.

Plate Number Coils(PNC)For most coil stamp rollsbeginning with #1891, a small plate numberappears at varying inter-vals in the roll in thedesign of the stamp.

Postal StationeryEnvelopes, aerogrammes,stamped postal cards, andletter sheets with printedor embossed stampdesigns.

Postal CardsSee “stamped postalcards.”

PostcardsCommercially-producedmailable cards withoutimprinted postage.

PostmarkA mark put on envelopesor other mailing piecesshowing the date andlocation of mailing.

First Day CeremonyProgramA program given to thosewho attend first day ofissue stamp ceremonies. Itcontains the actual stampaffixed and postmarked, a list of participants andinformation on the stampsubject.

Foreign EntryWhen original transfersare erased incompletelyfrom a plate, they canappear with new transfersof a different designwhich are subsequentlyentered on the plate.

FranksWritten, hand-stamped, or imprinted markings onthe face of a cover indicat-ing that it is carried freeof postage. Franking isusually limited to official government correspon-dence.

FreakAn abnormal variety of astamp occurring becauseof paper fold, over-inking,perforation shift, etc., asopposed to a continuallyappearing variety or anerror.

GrillA pattern of small, squarepyramids in parallel rowsimpressed or embossed onthe stamp to break paperfibers, allowing cancella-tion ink to soak in andpreventing washing andreuse.

GumThe coating of glue on theback of a stamp.

HingesSmall strips of gummedmaterial used by somecollectors to affix stampsto album pages.

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PrecancelsStamps cancelled by aproper authority prior totheir use on mail.

Presort StampA discounted stamp usedby business mailers whopresort their mail.

Prestige BookletA booklet commemorat-ing a special topic andcontaining stamps, narra-tive, and images.

ReissueAn official reprinting of astamp that was no longerbeing printed.

ReprintA stamp printed from theoriginal plate after theissue is no longer valid forpostage. Official reprintsare sometimes made forpresentation purposes,official collections, etc.,and are often distin-guished in some way fromthe “real” ones.

Revenue StampsStamps issued as proof ofpayment of certain taxesbut not valid for postage.

RoulettingThe piercing of the paperbetween stamps to facili-tate their separation, oftengiving the appearance of aseries of dashes.

Scrambled Indicia® A patented process thatconceals encoded text orgraphics within the visibledesign. These hiddenimages can only be viewedthrough a special lens, theStamp Decoder™, avail-able from the U.S. PostalService.

Se-tenantAn attached pair, strip or block of stamps thatdiffer in design, value orsurcharge.

Self-Adhesive StampA stamp with pressuresensitive adhesive.

SelvageThe paper around panesof stamps, sometimescalled the margin.

Semipostal StampA First-Class Mail stamppriced to include an addi-tional charge earmarkedfor a specific purpose, e.g.,breast cancer research.

SeriesA number of individualstamps or sets of stampshaving a common purposeor theme, issued over anextended period of time(generally a year or more),including all variations ofdesign and/or denomina-tion.

SetA group of stamps with acommon design or themeissued at one time for acommon purpose or over a limited period of time (generally less than a year).

Souvenir SheetA small sheet of stampswith a commemorativeinscription.

Special IssuesStamps with a commemo-rative appearance thatsupplement definitives andmeet specific needs. Theseinclude Christmas, Love,Holiday Celebrations, airmail, Express Mail, andPriority Mail stamps.

SpeculativeA stamp or issue releasedprimarily for sale to col-lectors, rather than tomeet any legitimate postalneed.

Stamp Decoder™ A device with a speciallens that reveals hiddenimages on stamps. It isavailable from the U.S.Postal Service.

Stamped Postal CardThe current term for amailable card withpostage imprinted on it.

Stamped EnvelopeA mailable envelope withpostage embossed orimprinted on it.

Star Route A mail route serviced byan outside contractorrather than a postalemployee.

StripThree or more unseparatedstamps in a row.

SurchargeAn overprint that changesthe denomination of astamp.

SweatboxA closed box with a grillover which stuck-togetherunused stamps are placed.A wet, sponge-like materialunder the grill createshumidity so the stampscan be separated withoutremoving the gum.

TaggingThe marking of stampswith a phosphor or simi-lar coating (which may bein lines, bars, letters, over-all design area or entirestamp surface), done bymany countries for usewith automatic mail-han-dling equipment. When astamp is issued both withand without this marking,catalogs will often notevarieties as “tagged” or“untagged.”

Tied OnDescribes a stamp whosepostmark touches theenvelope.

Tongs A tweezer-like tool withrounded or flattened tipsused to handle stamps.

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TopicalsA group of stamps withthe same theme—spacetravel, for example.

UnhingedA stamp without hingemarks.

UnusedThe condition of a stampthat has no cancellationor other sign of use.

UsedThe condition of a stampthat has been canceled.

VarietyA stamp that varies insome way from its stan-dard or original form.Varieties can include miss-ing colors or perforations,constant plate flaws,changes in ink or paper,differences in printingmethod or in format.

WatermarkA design sometimespressed into stamp paperduring its manufacture.

Water-Activated Gum Water-soluble adhesivessuch as sugar-basedstarches on the back of an unused stamp.

First Pictorial

Columbia Exposition

America

American RevolutionSesquicentennial

National Parks

Army Navy

Territorial

Presidential

Famous Americans

Win the War

Overrun Countries

National CapitalSesquicentennial

Liberty

Wildlife Conservation

Champion of Liberty

American Credo

Civil War Centennial

Prominent Americans

American Folklore

Space

American Bicentennial

National Parks Centennial

Black Heritage

American Arts

Rural America

Americana

American Folk Art

Performing Arts

Literary Arts

Architecture

Lighthouses

Love

Love Stamped Envelopes

Nature of America

Legends of Hollywood

Lunar New Year

Transportation

Great Americans

American Culture

American Design

American Treasures

American SportsPersonalities

Distinguished Americans

Celebrate The Century®

World War II

Ratification of theConstitution

Pioneers of Aviation

Garden Flowers

Looney Tunes

American Scenes

American Transportation

Classic Collections

America/PUAS

Artists

Scenic AmericanLandscapes

Scenic America StampedCards

Historic PreservationStamped Cards

Legends of AmericanMusic

Classical Composers &Conductors

Folk Musicians

Hollywood Composers

Broadway Songwriters

Art of Disney

Official Mail

Official Envelopes

Official Mail Postal Cards

Statehood

Olympic Games

Holiday Celebrations:

Christmas

Holiday

Holiday Celebrations

Weddings

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U.S. Postal Service Listing of Stamp Series

Add more fun to your hobby by collecting stamps thatbelong to one of these many exciting stamp series.You can find a complete listing of each series in “ThePostal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps.”

Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelopewhen writing to theseorganizations.

American Air Mail SocietyRudy RoyPO Box 5367Virginia Beach, VA23471-0367(p) 757/499-5234AAMSinformation@aol.comwww.americanairmailsociety.org

Specializes in all phases ofaerophilately.

American First DayCover SocietyPO Box 16277Tucson, AZ 85732-6277(p) 520/321-0880afdcs@aol.comwww.afdcs.orgContact Doug Kelsey,Executive Director

A full-service, not-for-profit, society devotedexclusively to First DayCovers and First DayCover collecting.

American CeremonyProgram SocietyJohn E. PetersonACPS Secretary/Treasurer6987 Coleshill DriveSan Diego, CA 92119-1953jkpete@pacbell.netwww.webacps.org

The American CeremonyProgram Society is a placeto learn about First Dayand Supplemental stampCeremonies and CeremonyPrograms.

American PhilatelicSocietyPeter MastrangeloDepartment PG100 Match Factory PlaceBellefonte, PA 16823-1367(p) 814/933-3803(f) 814/933-6128apsinfo@stamps.orgwww.stamps.org

America's national stampsociety. Membership bene-fits include various publications, services, and

more. Sponsors nationalstamp exhibitions annuallyin partnership with theASDA and USPS.

American Society forPhilatelic Pages andPanelsGerald BlankenshipPO Box 475Crosby, TX 77532-0475(p) 281/324-2709membership@asppp.orgwww.asppp.org

The only society with afocus on commemorativecancellations (formerlysouvenir pages) and com-memorative panels.

American StampDealers AssociationJim Roselle3 School St., Suite 205Glen Cove, NY 11542-2548(p) 516/759-7000(f) 516/759-7014asda@erols.comwww.asdaonline.com

Association of dealersengaged in every facet ofphilately, with 6 regionalchapters nationwide.Willsend you a complete listingof dealers in your area orcollecting specialty.

American TopicalAssociationRay CartierExecutive DirectorPO Box 57Arlington, TX 76004-0057(p) 817/274-1181(f) 817/274-1184americantopical@msn.comwww.americantopicalassn.org

A service organizationconcentrating on the spe-cialty of topical stamp col-lecting. Offers handbooksand checklists on specifictopics and services.

Ebony Society ofPhilatelic Events andReflectionsManuel Gilyard, PresidentPO Box 1757Lincolnton StationNew York, NY 10037-1757(p) 212-928-5165

(f) 212-928-1477gilyardmani@aol.comwww.esperstamps.org

Mailer’s Postmark Permit ClubCharles F. MyersCentral OfficePO Box 3Portland, TN 37148-0003(p) 615/325-9478cfmyers@mindspring.comwww.mppclub.org

Publishes bimonthlynewsletter, Permit Patter,which covers all aspects ofmailer’s postmark permits.

Plate Number CoilCollectors ClubRonald E. MaifeldPresidentPO Box 54622Cincinnati, OH 45254-0622Rmaifeld@fuse.netwww.pnc3.org

The Plate Number CoilCollectors Club (PNC3) isan organization that stud-ies the plate numbers andplate varieties of UnitedStates coil stamps issuedsince 1981. The PNC3

publishes a monthlynewsletter, Coil Line.

Postal History SocietyKalman V. Illyefalvi869 Bridgewater DriveNew Oxford, PA 17350-8206(p) 717/624-5941kalphyl@juno.com

Devoted to the study ofvarious aspects of thedevelopment of the mailsand local, national andinternational postal sys-tems; UPU treaties; andmeans of transporting mail.

The Souvenir CardCollectors Society, Inc.Dana M. MarrPO Box 4155Tulsa, OK 74159-0155(p) 918/664-6724DMARR5569@aol.com

Provides member auctions,a quarterly journal andaccess to limited-editionsouvenir cards.

Organizations, Publications and Resources

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Spring-Ford PhilatelicSocietyFirst United Church ofChrist145 Chestnut St.Spring City, PA 19475-1804(p) 610/970-5408DickRoslie@aol.com

Meeting the last Thursdayof the month at 7:00 p.m.

United PostalStationery SocietyUPSS Central OfficeBob WildermanManagerPO Box 3982Chester, VA 23831-8473upsspubs@aol.comwww.uspss.org

The UPSS is the largestsociety devoted to the col-lecting and study of postalstationery, postal cards,envelopes, letter sheets andother postal products hav-ing the stamp alreadyprinted on it.

19th Century Envelopes

20th Century Envelopes

U.S. Postal Card Catalog

U.S. Specimens:Stamped Envelopes andWrappers

Transitive Relationship toFamily Tree of Proofs

Contemporary Accountof the 1st U.S. PostalCard

U.S. CommemorativeStamped Envelopes,1867-1965

U.S. Envelope Essaysand Proofs Canal ZonePostal Stationery

Universal ShipCancellation Society Steve Shay747 Shard CourtFremont, CA 94539-7419e-mail: Shaymur@flash.netwww.uscs.org

Specializes in naval shippostmarks and cachets.

U.S. Postal ServiceStamp Services1735 N. Lynn St, 5thFloor, Room 5018Arlington, VA 22209-6432

U.S. Stamp Society Executive SecretaryPO Box 6634Katy, TX 77491-6634www.usstamps.org

An association of collec-tors to promote the studyof all postage and revenuestamps and stamped paperof the United States andU.S.-administered areasproduced by the Bureau ofEngraving and Printingand other contract printers.

Durland Plate NumberCatalog

Expertisers

American PhilatelicExpertizing Service(APEX)Mercer Bristow Director of Expertizing100 Match Factory PlaceBellefonte, PA 16823-1367(p) 814/933-3803(f) 814/933-6128Ambristo@stamps.org

Krystal Harter Expertizing CoordinatorKrharter@stamps.org(p) 814/933-3803(f) 814/933-6128www.stamps.org

A service of the AmericanPhilatelic Society, APEXutilizes the outstandingreference collections atAPS headquarters in con-junction with the nation'sbest philatelic scholars topass judgement on theidentification, authenticityand condition of stampsfrom around the world.

Philatelic FoundationAttention: ChairmanGeorge J. Kramer70 W 40th Street 15th Flr.New York, NY 10018-2615(p) 212/221-6555(f) 212/221-6208www.philatelicfoundation.org

A nonprofit organizationknown for its expertiza-tion service. Their broadresources, provide collec-tors with comprehensiveconsumer protection. Bookseries include expertizingcase histories in Opinions,Foundation seminar sub-jects in “textbooks” andspecialized U.S. subjects inmonographs.

Professional StampExpertsPO Box 6170Newport Beach, CA92658-6170(p) 877/782-6788www.psestamp.compse@collectors.com

Organization specializingin identification, expertiza-tion and grading of U.S.Postage Stamps, Covers,Revenues etc. PSE pub-lishes a Guide to theGrading of U.S. Stampsand The Stamp MarketQuarterly Price Guide.Either is free upon request.

Periodicals

The following publicationswill send you a free copyof their magazine or news-paper upon request.

Global Stamp NewsPO Box 97Sidney, OH 45365-0097(p) 937/492-3183jbrandewie@woh.rr.com

America’s largest-circula-tion monthly stamp maga-zine featuring U.S. andforeign issues.

Linn’s Stamp NewsPO Box 29Sidney, OH 45365-0029(p) 937/498-0801(f) 937/498-0876(f) 888/340-8388 (toll free)linns@linns.comwww.linns.com

Linn’s Stamp News, theworld’s largest weeklystamp newspaper, containsbreaking news stories ofmajor importance to stampcollectors. A sample copyof the weekly news-paper isavailable upon request.

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Linn’s U.S. StampYearbook(p) 937/498-0802(f) 800/572-6885 (US only)(f) 937/498-0807 (outsideUS)linns@linns.comwww.linns.com

Linn’s World StampAlmanac

Stamp Collecting MadeEasy

Mekeel’s & StampsMagazine-faJohn Dunn42 Sentry WayMerrimack, NH 03054-4407stampnews@StampNewsNow.comwww.StampNewsNow.com

Weekly magazine for col-lectors of U.S. & world-wide stamps & covers.

U.S. Stamp News-fb42 Sentry WayMerrimack, NH 03054-4407stampnews@StampNewsNow.comwww.StampNewsNow.com

Monthly magazine for allcollectors of U.S. stamps,covers and postal history.

Stamp FulfillmentServicesU.S. Postal Service8300 NE Underground DrPillar 210Kansas City, MO 64144-0001(p) 1-800-STAMP-24

Scott SpecializedCatalogue of UnitedStates Stamps andCoversPO Box 828Sidney, OH 45365-0828(p) 937/498-0831(p) 800/572-6885(f) 937/498-0807cuserv@amosadvantage.comwww.amosadvantage.com

Scott Standard PostageStamp Catalogue

Scott ClassicSpecialized Catalogue:Stamps and Covers ofthe World includingU.S., 1840-1940(British Commonwealthto 1952)

Scott Stamp Monthly

Museums, Libraries andDisplays

American PhilatelicResearch Library100 Match Factory PlaceBellefonte, PA 16823-1367(p) 814/933-3803(f) 814/933-6128aprl@stamps.orgwww.stamplibrary.org

The largest philateliclibrary in the US, theAPRL receives more than400 periodicals, andhouses extensive collec-tions of philatelic literature.

The Collectors ClubIrene BrombergExecutive Secretary22 E. 35th StreetNew York, NY 10016-3806(p) 212/683-0559(f) 212/481-1269collectorsclub@nac.netwww.collectorsclub.org

Bimonthly journal, publica-tion of various referenceworks, one of the mostextensive reference librariesin the world, reading andstudy rooms.

National PostalMuseumOffice of the DirectorSmithsonian NationalPostal Museum2 Massachusetts Ave, NEWashington, D.C. 20013-0570(p) 202/633-5502burmeisterc2si.edu

National Postal Museumhouses more than 16 milionitems for exhibition andstudy purposes. Collectionsresearch may be conductedseparately or jointly with

library materials. Call themuseum or its library(202/633-9370) to schedulean appointment.

The Postal HistoryFoundationBetsy TowlePO Box 40725Tucson, AZ 85717-0725(p) 520/623-6652(f) 520/623-6652www.postalhistoryfoundation.orgHours: M-F 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Foundation has aworld class collection ofpostal history informationand artifacts and is a pio-neer in its provision ofyouth philatelic educationprograms. It offersmuseum tours, researchlibrary, USPS contractpost office, philatelic sales,archives and stamp collec-tions.

San Diego CountyPhilatelic LibraryAl Kish, Library Manager7403C Princess View Dr.San Diego, CA 92120-1345(p) 619/229-8813Hours: Mon. 1 p.m.–4 p.m.and 6:30 p.m.–9 p.m.,Tues. 5 p.m.–8 p.m., Wed.1 p.m.–9 p.m., Thurs. 6p.m.– 9 p.m., Sat. 9 p.m.–3p.m. Closed Fri. and Sun.

Spellman Museum ofStamps and PostalHistoryEdward S. Sternick, Ph.D.Executive Director235 Wellesley StreetWeston, MA 02493-1538(p) 781/768-8367(f) 781/768-7332info@spellman.orgwww.spellman.org

America’s first fully accred-ited museum devoted to thedisplay, collection andpreservation of stamps andpostal history. Exhibitionsfeature rarities, U.S., andworldwide collections.Philatelic library and fam-ily activity center openwith admission.

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Western PhilatelicLibraryPO Box 2219Sunnyvale, CA 94087-2219(p) 408/733-0336stulev@ix.netcom.comwww.pbbooks.com/wpl.htmwww.fwpl.org

Friends of the WesternPhilatelic Library

Wineburgh PhilatelicResearch LibrarySpecial Collections Dept.Erik D. Carlson, Ph.D.McDermott LibraryThe University of Texas atDallasPO Box 830643Mailstation: MC33Richardson, TX 75083-0643(p) 972/883-2570www.utdallas.edu/library/special/wprl.htmlHours: M-Th 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Exchange Service

Stamp MasterCharles BergeronPO Box 17Putnam Hall, FL 32185-0017Cbergero@bellsouth.net

An “electronic connection”for philatelists via com-puter to display/reviewmembers’ stamp inventoriesfor trading purposes, etc.

Literature

ArtCraft First Day CoverPrice ListWashington Press2 Vreeland RoadFlorham Park, NJ 07932-1501(p) 877/966-0001 (toll free)info@washpress.comwww.washpress.com

Includes PresidentialInaugural covers.

Legends of the WestWashington Press

How some collectorsstruck it rich!

The Inverted Jenny

A Dream Come True.

Operation HUSH – HUSH

How the Project MercuryStamp was Planned andIssued.

The HammarskjoldInvert

Tells the story of the DagHammarskjold error/invert.

The U.S. TransportationCoils

How some collectorsstruck it rich!

The White Ace AlbumFormat Guide

A Listing of StampsRequired for The 2003United States White AceAlbum Supplements. Free.

Brookman’s 1st Edition Black Heritage First Day Cachet Cover CatalogArlene DunnBrookman/Barrett &Worthen10 Chestnut DriveBedford, NH 03110-5566(p) 603/472-5575(f) 603/472-8795

Illustrated 176-page per-fect bound book.

Brookman’s 2nd EditionPrice Guide for DisneyStamps

Illustrated 256-page per-fect bound book.

2005 Brookman PriceGuide of U.S., andCanada Stamps andPostal Collectibles

Illustrated 384-page perfectand spiral bound catalog.

Postmark AdvisoryPaul BrennerGeneral Image, Inc. PO Box 335Maplewood, NJ 07040-0335Postmark1@earthlink.netThere is also a web siteannouncing thesepostmarks. The address is:home.earthlink.net/~postmark1

This site is updated twicea month. (How-to-do-it is excellentfor beginners)

A weekly newsletter isavailable which providesdescriptive information onU.S. pictorial postmarks.A free sample is available.

Fleetwood’s StandardFirst Day Cover CatalogFleetwoodUnicover Corporation1 Unicover CenterCheyenne, WY 82008-0001(p) 307/771-3238(p) 800/443-3232 (toll free)(f) 307/771-3134www.unicover.com

Precancel StampSociety CatalogsDick Laetsch3 Shady Creek LaneScarborough, ME 04074-8480(p) 207/883-2505precancel@aol.comwww.precanceledstamps.com

Precancel approvals available.

Stamp Collecting MadeEasyAmos Hobby Publishing Co.PO Box 828Sidney, OH 045365-0097(p) 937/498-0807(p) 800/572-6885(f) 937/498-0807

An illustrated, easy-to-read, 96-page booklet forbeginning collectors.

The U.S. Postal Service: An American History,Pub. 100HistorianUnited States Postal Service475 L’Enfant Plaza SWWashington, DC 20260-0012(p) 202/268-2507mausman@usps.govwww.usps.com

Tells the history of theU.S. Postal Service from1775 to the present. Onefree copy.

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Sources of HistoricalInformation on PostOffices, PostalEmployees, Mail Routesand Mail Contractors,Pub. 119

Lists all known federalsources of information ontopics covered in the title.One free copy.www.usps.com/postmasterfinder

International

AUSTRALIAMax Stern234 Flinders StreetBox 997 HGPO Melbourne 3001

CANADACanada Post2701 Riverside Dr.Suite N0420Ottawa ON K1A 0B1

CHINAChina NationalPhilatelic Corporation14, Taipinghu Dongli,Xicheng DistrictBeijing, 100031

DENMARKNordfrimDK 5450 Otterup

GERMANYGeorg Roll Stamps LTDHafenstrasse 8D-26931 Elsfleth

Hermann Sieger GMBHVenusberg 32-34D73545 LorchWurttemberg

HONG KONGHongkong Post1706-7, ING Tower308-320 Des Voeux RoadCentralSheung Wan

ITALYAlberto BolaffiVia Cavour 1710123 Torino

JAPANJapan Philatelic AgencyPO Box 96 ToshimaTokyo 170-8668

NETHERLANDSTPG PostPrinses Beatrixlann 23P O Box 302502500 GC The Hague

SPAINPhilagroup, S. L.Manuel Tovar, 1, 4 izda28034 Madrid

THAILANDInternational House ofStamps98/2 Soi TonsonLangsuan RdLumpinee, PathumwanBangkok 10330

UNITED KINGDOMHarry AllenPO Box 5Watford Herts WD2 5SW

Philatelic Centers

The Postal Service alsomaintains PhilatelicCenters located in manyareas to serve stampcollectors with an extensiverange of philatelic products.

Call 800-275-8777or visit us online atwww.usps.com

Credits andAcknowledgments

The Art of Stamp Collectingwas produced by GovernmentRelations and Public Policy,Stamp Services, U.S. PostalService.

John E. PotterPostmaster General and Chief Executive Officer

Marie Therese DominguezSenior Vice President,Government Relations

David E. FailorExecutive Director, Stamp Services

Terrence W. McCaffreyManager, Stamp Development

Cindy TackettManager, Stamp Products andExhibitions

Sonja D. EdisonProject Manager and Editor

EDITORIAL SERVICES

PhotoAssist, Inc.Regina Swygert-Smith7735 Old Georgetown RdBethesda, MD 20814

DESIGN SERVICES

Design, Production andProject ManagerRoberta Wojtkowski Design10992 Thrush Ridge RoadReston, VA 20191

DIGITAL SERVICES

Journey Group, Inc.418 Fourth St., NECharlottesville, Va 22902

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Publication 225 © 2007 U.S. Postal Service

PSN 7610-02-000-7089

Printed in the United States of America.

The designs of stamps and postal stationery issued since January 1, 1978

are the subject of individual copyrights by the U.S. Postal Service.

®

Stamp CollectingT H E A R T O F