It was in 1939 that Jamestown Stamp Company began serving collectors via mail order. That's some impressive history. No one questions this company's commitment to collectors or its knowledge of the hobbies it tailors to. Likewise, it was in May of 1996 that Jamestown Stamp Company first purchased the domain name jamestownstamp.com. A mere decade in most industries is just a small milestone. On the Web, it's huge!
The general consensus concerning today's children and collecting is that kids just aren't interested if it doesn't blink, sparkle, or bleed. In this and a few future posts, we'll discuss some ways to get kids interested in collecting.
How does one start collecting stamps? Do you need an old pro in the family? The latest stamp album? Platinum tongs? While we'll explore other considerations in future posts, my advice for now is to start simple. Develop your tastes - your favorite stamp issuing countries, your favorite topical stamps, etc. Remember, your stamp collection is just that: yours. If you develop a preference for low value purple stamps, then so be it.
Ever since the US Mint began its highly popular Statehood Quarters program -see our statehood quarters- the United States Postal Service has been searching for a similar marketing program to revive public interest in postage stamps. The USPS's announcement to offer personalized stamps -your picture on a stamp- has indeed piqued public interest. Unfortunately, when the USPS or Mint releases new products, new collectors' thoughts often turn to value.
