Stamp Collecting - Tucson
Stamp collecting is a fun and informative way to learn more about a country’s historical events, celebrated persons, culture and geography. In Tucson, Arizona, stamp collecting is more than just a hobby for group of passionate enthusiasts. Here, stamp collectors have several resources that will help them purchase stamps for their collections, learn more about stamp collecting and connect with other stamp collectors.
To Begin Stamp Collecting Tucson
1 - Join the Arizona Philatelic Rangers, the Tucson Stamp Club, or - if you are interested in stamps from Mexico - the Mexico-Elmhurst Philatelic Society International. To find out more about a club near you, check with the Arizona Federation of Stamp Clubs.
2 - Visit the Postal History Foundation Library on 920 North First Avenue.
3 - Shop at the American Stamp & Coin Co. on 7225 Orracle Road, Ste. 102.
4 - Browse websites such as Craigslist or Ebay. Be careful and do your research before buying. Ask for clear photographs and detailed information.
Tools For Collecting Stamps
Beginning a stamp collection is relatively inexpensive. You will need the following tools to begin:
1 - Stamps!
2 - Stamp tongs.
3 - Catalogs and price guides. Check these out at the local library. There are also online price guides for a subscription. Look into stamp management software that will help you keep track of the value of your collection.
4 - Magnifying glass.
5 - Perforation Gauge.
6 - Watermark Fluid & Tray (Optional)
7 - Albums. Make sure you get pages that are acid-free. Regular albums will leach the color from your stamps.
8 - Glassine Envelopes. These are used to store and organize extra stamps that you don’t want to mount in an album.
9 - Stamp hinges. (Many collectors are moving away from stamp hinges and choosing to use stamp mounts instead.)
10 - Stamp mounts. Slide the stamp into these protective sheaths, then mount in the album.
Taking Care of Your Stamps
Stamp collecting Tucson is an ideal location for maintaining a stamp collection. The hot, dry weather helps preserve the stamps and keeps moisture from the stamps. Still, it’s a good idea to store your stamps above ground level and to insure your collection. To insure your collection, you will need to get an appraisal from an insurance company. There may be a fee.
The Postal History Foundation Library
Stamp collecting Tucson has a fabulous resource in the Postal History Foundation Library. The library offers the following services.
1 - Sale of collectible stamps and other philatelic materials such as albums, hinges and page protectors.
2 - This is the only place that sells all the current issue postage stamps. Usually, you have to order these stamps direct from the post office.
3 - A library of all southwestern postal office historical documents, including stamps.
4 - Youth educational services, classes, speaker’s bureau and special educational materials designed for schools.
5 - A turn of the century replica of a United States Post Office.
Share This