Serious stamp collectors don’t just buy stamps — they invest in them. Sometimes paying hundreds, thousands and even millions for that rare collection. Philatelists know that protecting their investment with proper stamp collecting supplies could mean the difference between getting $60 for a stamp or getting $600.

When first looking for stamp collecting supplies, collectors must choose where and how to store the stamps. While kids and beginners may be comfortable with an inexpensive stockbook or stamp album with pre-printed pages and spaces for specific stamps, more advanced philatelists will want a blank stamp album and online archive software such as Album Easy.

The next thing to purchase facilitates the affixing of the stamps into your album. Stamp Hinges are small rectangular pieces of paper coated with a sticky gum. Collectors are encouraged to buy “peel-able” hinges to prevent damaging hinge marks on them. After lightly moistening the hinge, affix the short end to it and the long end to the page, which will allow interested buyers to examine the back of the stamp without completely unsticking it.

Collectors should never use glue or tape to affix them! In fact, unhinged ones are ideal but exceedingly rare. Metal Stamp Tongs are used by philatelists to hold them without getting finger oils on them. Varieties include length (ranging from 4-8 inches) and tip (shovel or pointed). Pointed tips are great for intricate positioning but can also tear the stamp so the shovel tips are more practical.

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