Some suggestions about managing page-filling madness that overtakes most collectors at one time or another. ~ Published: 2008-10-06 07:21:44
Fill the Page! Collector's dream and nightmare!
By Jeff Walker
Collecting stamps is a great hobby, but sometimes hobbies can be frustrating. One of the classic areas of frustration is wanting to complete a stamp collection. For some of us, that desire is more intense than for others. It can be very difficult and costly to achieve that goal.
What is your goal?
People collect postage stamps for a variety of reasons which often come out in the collection topic and style. I know people that collect only US, or a certain country, such as Canada or Germany. Others focus on their homeland such as France or China. Still others are interested in the historical aspects of stamps. Others form topical collections that reflect other hobbies such as Coins on Stamps or Ships.
Occasional Victory
Filling an album page can be quite satisfying for people who enjoy organization. The desire to complete something is innate in most people. Every once in a while I put the last stamp on an album page, completing the entire page. I am usually very excited and have to run over and show my wife, who rolls her eyes failing to understand the glory of the moment. For situations like this keep a fellow collector's phone number handy so you can share the joy.
Album Dilemma
Album manufacturers such as Scott and White Ace have traditionally faced a dilemma in album design.
On one hand, some collectors want a space for each stamp to make a complete album. But some stamps, such as the "Post Office Mauritius" are so rare that the average collector will probably never see a real copy much less put a hinge on one. On the other hand, the majority of collectors are satisfied with something less than a space for every listed variety. Most albums fall somewhere in the middle with the higher-end ones leaning towards more completeness.
Many people (including myself) collect worldwide. When you have a worldwide collection and a limited budget the problem is exagerated and you have to develop some coping strategies.
Suggested Strategies
Every collector is different, but here are some suggestions that might help in your quest for completeness.
- Create a specialty album that you can really complete. Even though most countries have their expensive issues, a few countries can be completed. Stamps of Jugoslavia and Bulgaria, and other smaller countries are easy and inexpensive to come by, while at the same time, offer some neat historical and cultural highlights. With some effort, you can achieve or get very close to your goal. Take a look in the catalog, there are some countries whose entire stamp issues will fit on a few album pages!
- Collect topically. Some topical collections are quite broad, but they can be narrowed to specific and obtainable collections. My opinion is that every collector should have one topical collection that appeals to them because most collectors have more than one hobby. You can have a great time combining your two interests. For example if you enjoy sailing, you could start a topical collection of sailing ships and learn about ships as well as stamps. Topical collecting can put a lot of fun back into the hobby for you, and take your mind off the items you can't obtain.
- Start a single issue collection. Pick a single common stamp issue, from any country, and specialize. Some very affordable stamps have an interesting and limited scope. Fred Wexler, in Global Stamp News does a great writeup monthly on "Collecting X" which demonstrates the possibilties that abound.
- Build rules into your collecting. If you you must have a broad collection consider laying some rules out that will help you. You may decide that you will not collect any stamps after World War II or maybe omit all stamps before 1900.
- Decide what your view towards expensive stamps will be. You may decide that you can accept heavily canceled or damaged rarities to fill a space. Don't feel bad about this option. Someone has to care for these orphans! Collectors of the future will appreciate that you did. Imagine if all of the Cape of Good Hope triangles with poor cuts were discarded by collectors!
- Bid at auctions. This is by far the most exciting way to obtain stamps to fill holes in your album. Clever bidding and luck can land some beautiful items for your collection at a reasonable price. If you decide to participate in stamp auctions be sure to carefully read the rules. I have had very good success with auctions. If you obtain valuable stamps for your collection be sure to mark the page somehow so your family knows the stamp has special value.
- Consider buying large mixtures. If you don't mind the work (I love it) you can purchase a large mixture of lightly examined stamps. Finding such a treasure is not easy, since mixtures nowadays have been "cherrypicked." You can find higher quality mixtures at stamp shows if you go early. Also be nosy, sometimes dealers do not put the boxes out until later.
- Sort through penny boxes. Yes, it is appropriate even for "experienced" collectors to hang out at penny boxes. After making the rounds at a show, I may settle in and work a penny box for a while. If you have an eye for patterns and know what stamps you have and need this can be a very productive. Just be sure to use good etiquette and let others look as well. I have been on the wrong end of a "Penny Box Piggie" and it isn't fun waiting to look.
- Trade with other collectors. This sounds so obvious, yet many people tend to miss opportunities to trade with friends. A primary reason for a stamp club is to make friends and trade material. Trading with friends is very inexpensive, but it requires a different mindset. Rather than trying to always get the best deal, it's important to consider your friends and help them find their missing stamps. Trading should always be with the idea that "Giving is Better than Receiving." Give up the stuff you already have without worrying too much about the value and goodwill will flow to help you find the items you need.
Don't get caught up in just filling spaces. Take time to enjoy the stamps you have and show someone else how to enjoy them as well.
