One of the first things a new collector thinks about is: which album is right for me? There are many brands on the market. If I’d have to pick just one to suggest, it would have to be the “Scott National” album. The “Scott National” album is probably the most versatile on the market. It has space for just about every single US stamp that there is including many minor varieties that most other albums don’t provide spaces for. It the best “back of the book” section of arguably any other album. It has complete spaces for officials, postage dues, parcel post, special delivery, revenues, duck stamps etc. I find that I even prefer the old National albums over the new ones! If you can find a gently used one with a collection already started, would be the way to go in my opinion.

Another question frequently asked is: how should I mount my stamps in the album? My personal recommendation is to use black mounts. These are rather pricey, but will better protect you investment in the long run. If you are just collecting inexpensive used varieties, hinges will work just fine. Never use a hinge to mount a mint stamp that has never been hinged before as it will drastically reduce the value! Also, be sure to read the instructions on the mount package prior to use. I have seen countless stamps ruined to improper use and over moistening of mounts!

The next step would be to purchase a catalogue to give you a good idea of what a stamp is worth. I would suggest the Scott Specialized Catalogue as it lists just about every variety. Scott sells a pocket catalogue at a fraction of the price of the specialized, but a highly recommend the specialized as it goes a lot farther in depth about each topic.

Stamp tongs are essential to the hobby. Every time you touch a stamp with your fingers it leaves traces of oil and dirt particles on the stamp which decreases the value. Also, if you leave a finger print on the gum of a mint stamp it dramatically reduces the value. There are several varieties on the market, but I would recommend the four inch rounded tip type for the beginner. With the rounded tip you will be less likely to damage a stamp until you get used to using tongs.

The proper magnifying device is also very important. A regular magnifying glass will work, But I suggest a jeweler’s loupe of at least 10x-15x magnification. Keep in mind that tiny engraved lines mean the difference in value of thousands of dollars on some early issues! The higher magnification will also allow you to better see faults that cannot be see under a regular magnifying glass .

It is just as important is to purchase a perforation gauge. A perforation gauge is used to gauge the distance between perforations. This is VERY important to distinguish many early perforations types! Again, a tiny difference in the gauge of the perforations can mean the difference between hundreds or thousands of dollars! Many early issues look exactly alike and can only be told apart by the gauge of the perforations.

Another handy accessory to have is watermark fluid and a black tray. Many early issues can only be told apart by a watermark. Watermark fluid helps you to see the watermark. Watermark fluid is also very useful for detecting faults and repairs. Some faults, such as thins and light creases, that don’t show to the naked eye are readily apparent when the stamp is dipped in Watermark fluid!

Two other things worth mentioning are a U.V. light and a color chart. A U.V. light is very useful for detecting Tagged varieties as well as some faults and repairs. A color chart is useful for distinguishing the many hundreds colors printed on stamps. Listed here were just a few of the thousands of products on the market. Purchasing these few key supplies should give you a good running start into the hobby.

I spend my time and write these guides to help the philatelic community. I feel that my guides can help both buyers and sellers properly identify certain issues that I notice have been often misrepresented at online auction. Even If you personally already are familiar with the information presented in this guide please vote “yes” for helpfulness as it allows me to know that people support my effort to help the philatelic community . I would appreciate any emails with questions or comments on how to better help with any of my guides. If anyone is considering buying a stamp that is mentioned in any of my guides and have doubts about authenticity please email me and I will be glad to help Best regards, Mike