Philately : What is it?
It is the art of collecting stamps , which offer the eye exercised wonders and above all a real history of the world. In 2023, this practice will have shown great robustness for its 170 years of existence. In French, "philately" means "love of stamps ".
It is therefore an activity which consists in bringing and classifying postal stamps from different countries, but also letters, postcards and associated documents. Objects can be physical or digital, depending on the format sought and available.
The main goal is always the same: create and complete your own collection . The interest of philately can go far beyond the simple collection .
Indeed, it allows you to discover the world thanks to the stories told by each stamp . When associated with envelopes, postcards and letters, these postal memories then become more interesting. The knowledge acquired and the developed skills also make philately an educational game. Several ways of collecting exist.
Some focus on special collections, such as the first stamps issued on certain historical occasions (such as January 1, 1849, for the first stamp in circulation in France). Others prefer to choose stamps representing historical figures (Napoleon, Ceres), monuments or naturalist scenes.
It is also possible to collect envelopes, printed with special patterns corresponding to special events. These pieces are highly sought after because they offer a unique overview of the visual aspect of the time.
Philately enthusiasts
Philately attracts both adults and children, gathered by their common passion for this ancestral art. Among them, there are passionate collectors, who devote a lot of time and money to their collection and who regularly meet other collectors to share their experiences.
But if some collect out of passion, others also see in philately a source of income, since some stamps can be very rare and worth a lot of money. There are many potential buyers and some collectors do not see a problem in investing in expensive stamps that will bring them later.
The benefits of philately
Philately is an interesting hobby rich in lessons. Connect history and geography through a small piece of paper is indeed an excellent exercise to get to know the world. For the youngest, it makes it possible to develop cognitive skills such as observation and concentration.
It also allows an intergenerational sharing, between parents and children, as well as with friends and neighbors. The often stimulating conversation around stamps creates a particular social bond, and the possibility of receiving shipments from all over the world nourishes curiosity and appetite to learn.
Philately also offers a moment of calm and tranquility, without the distractions of current screens and technologies.
Finally, it contributes to personal enrichment, by providing a feeling of satisfaction and pride in the construction of its collection. In addition, it offers a great opportunity to spend a calm and pleasant moment.
Find stamps
To fully enjoy philately, it is important to find original and rare stamps. You can request stamps from your friends or family abroad, participate in philatelic salons, buy prizes on eBay or Amazon, or even get specialized books and catalogs.
You can also look in DIY stores offering philatelic products. In most cases, you will eventually find accessories to build your collection.
How to take care of your collection?
Taking care of your collection is essential to keep your stamps in good condition. Using a special glue to fix the stamps on the album or sheets is the most common recommendation. It is also advisable to keep its stamps away from direct light, humidity and extreme temperatures.
It is better to store albums and shirts horizontally, and to store them in a dry and fresh place. You can also protect your stamps by placing them in boxes specifically designed for this use. These boxes provide additional protection against scratches and accidental shocks.
Philately is an interesting and enriching activity that will delight young and old. It is a great tool to get to know the world, by developing cognitive skills and by creating intergenerational links.
