Most postage stamps you will add to your stamp collection have been used as postage. Unlike uncirculated coins, used stamps are more interesting since that's part of what makes them valuable, since they then acquire a history and often have interesting cancellation or other marks.

Often, used stamps are still on the paper or package they were used on and need to be separated before adding to your stamp collection.  The most common method used by beginners for doing that is soaking. But soaking stamps must be done properly;  it's easy to ruin an otherwise valuable stamp.

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Scott Stamp Catalog

Very early in his or her collecting efforts every stamp collector will need the guidance of several sources of information. Fellow collectors are helpful and there are many forums where valuable tips and enthusiasm can be shared. Dealers can also help in the education process, and most are knowledgeable and honest. But the indispensable source of information about stamps remains the stamp catalog.

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The commemorative stamp is created mainly to honor a special occasion, person or place. They are printed in very small quantities, sometimes only once, therefore ensuring their uniqueness and standard as an excellent collectors item. Post services worldwide have several issues every year of various commemorative stamps and are used alongside standard issues. Collectors everywhere are seeking to find unique, and sought after commemorative stamps.

Some Popular Commemorative Stamps include:

- Ronald Reagan & Mickey Mouse First Day Covers

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Stamp collecting is a hobby that has withstood the test of time.  It has a hobby that has been enjoyed by individuals of all ages for years on end.  If you have recently decided to take part in this hobby that is surrounded by tradition, you may be looking for some tips to help you see success.  More importantly, you may be looking for ways to increase the value of your stamp collection.

Before focusing on ways that a stamp collection can see an increase in value, it is first important to touch on the stamp collecting basics.  For example, there are different types of stamp collecting, as well as different types of stamps to be collected.  If you have only enjoyed stamp collecting in the past as a plain ole hobby, you may have a lot of work ahead of you to turn your stamp collection into a potential profit. With that in mind, if stamp collecting is a hobby that you enjoy, your quest to make your collection profitable may not even seem like work!

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