Royal mail stamp collecting

A fascinating hobby! Royal Mail, the postal service of the United Kingdom, has a rich history of issuing stamps that are highly sought after by collectors. Here are some interesting facts and tips about Royal Mail stamp collecting:

History of Royal Mail Stamps

The first adhesive postage stamps were introduced in the UK in 1840, with the Penny Black, which featured a portrait of Queen Victoria. Since then, Royal Mail has issued thousands of stamps, featuring a wide range of subjects, including monarchs, landmarks, animals, and cultural icons.

Types of Royal Mail Stamps

Royal Mail issues a variety of stamps, including:

  1. Definitive Stamps: These stamps feature the monarch's portrait and are used for everyday postage.
  2. Commemorative Stamps: These stamps are issued to commemorate special events, anniversaries, and milestones.
  3. Special Stamps: These stamps are issued for specific purposes, such as Christmas, Easter, or charity appeals.
  4. Error Stamps: These stamps feature errors, such as misprinted colors or misaligned perforations, which can make them highly valuable.

Popular Royal Mail Stamp Collections

Some popular Royal Mail stamp collections include:

  1. Queen Elizabeth II: With over 1,000 stamps featuring her portrait, this collection is a must-have for any British philatelist.
  2. Wildlife: Royal Mail has issued numerous stamps featuring British wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects.
  3. British Culture: Stamps featuring British culture, such as music, art, and literature, are highly collectible.
  4. Historical Events: Stamps commemorating significant historical events, such as the Battle of Britain or the D-Day Landings, are highly sought after.

Tips for Collecting Royal Mail Stamps

  1. Start with a theme: Focus on a specific theme, such as monarchs, animals, or landmarks, to make your collection more manageable.
  2. Use a stamp album: Organize your stamps in a album or binder to keep them safe and easy to view.
  3. Check for condition: Make sure to inspect your stamps for condition, as mint condition stamps are generally more valuable.
  4. Join a philatelic club: Connect with other collectors through online forums or local philatelic clubs to learn more about Royal Mail stamps and trade stamps with other collectors.
  5. Keep your stamps stored safely: Store your stamps in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent damage or deterioration.

Where to Buy Royal Mail Stamps

You can purchase Royal Mail stamps from:

  1. Post Offices: Visit your local post office to buy stamps and browse their selection.
  2. Royal Mail Online: Order stamps online from Royal Mail's official website.
  3. Stamp Dealers: Visit stamp dealers or online marketplaces to buy rare or hard-to-find stamps.
  4. Auction Houses: Attend philatelic auctions or online auctions to bid on rare and valuable stamps.

Remember to always research and verify the authenticity of any stamp before purchasing, especially if you're buying from a third-party seller. Happy collecting!