Stamp collecting is the collecting of postage stamps and related objects.
It is related to philately which is the study of stamps. It has been one of the world's most popular hobbies since the late nineteenth century with the rapid growth of the postal service.
Stamp collecting proved to be an almost perfect hobby for collectors because there was a never ending stream of new stamps as each country sought to advertise its distinctiveness through its stamps.
Because some stamps became rare, a thriving international trade in stamps was created.
While stamp collectors are of all ages, it has been particularly popular hobby among children, many of whom continued the hobby as adults.
Stamp collecting is generally accepted as one of the areas that make up the wider subject of philately, which is the study of stamps.
A philatelist may, but does not have to, collect stamps. It is not uncommon for the term philatelist to be used to mean a stamp collector.
Many casual stamp collectors accumulate stamps for sheer enjoyment and relaxation without worrying about the tiny details.
The creation of a large or comprehensive collection, however, generally requires some philatelic knowledge and will usually contain areas of philatelic studies.
Postage stamps are often collected for their historical value and geographical aspects and also for the many subjects depicted on them, ranging from ships, horses, and birds to kings, queens and presidents
This video is showing in the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum.
This video is of stamp collectors, including youth, talking about what they collect and why.
