| > | | | | American Philatelic Society (APS). For more than a |
| Philately stamp collecting information that helps the | | | | century now, the APS provides its members not only |
| reader understand more about the study and | | | | an avenue to meet fellow enthusiasts, but also |
| collecting of stamps | | | | various services and informational programs to assist |
| Philately, or the study of stamps, is a huge field of | | | | in the pursuit and enhancement of the collecting |
| study that has captured the attention of many | | | | experience. Over this huge span of time, the APS |
| Americans over the years. This fascination with | | | | has been kept alive by donations, sale of its various |
| stamps and the history that surrounds them has led | | | | publications, receipt of payment for its services, and |
| to a hobby related to philately, which is collecting | | | | receipt of its members’ dues. The community |
| stamps. | | | | of APS is not a small one that may be overlooked. In |
| Usually, stamp collection begins with the acquisition of | | | | the country, there are more than 44, 000 philatelists |
| a first couple of stamps and the choice of a particular | | | | formally part of the APS. There are many others |
| classification of stamps where the collector will | | | | who are new to the trade, or are yet to find their |
| concentrate his or her efforts on. The continued | | | | way to APS. This huge number is proven by the fact |
| acquisition of the stamps for the collection is done | | | | that various states hold annual philatelic conventions |
| either through personal letters, the postal office, | | | | for enthusiasts in the area to meet and convene. |
| trading with fellow collectors, or collectible stamp | | | | Another philatelic association in the United States |
| dealers, rare and high quality stamps under the | | | | known equally for its expertise is the Philatelic |
| chosen classification. | | | | Foundation. |
| However, while it may seem that a philatelic hobby is | | | | Various classifications and concentrations of collection |
| far too difficult or obscure, it actually is not. The | | | | are available. Some of them include postage stamps |
| collection and study of stamps is not a completely | | | | from other countries (particularly those of age), |
| novel idea; over 110 countries worldwide have a sort | | | | postage stationery (including air letter sheets, |
| of society for philatelists (or stamp collectors and | | | | government-issued post cards) that preceded the |
| enthusiasts). | | | | printing of the first stamp in the form we know |
| In the United States of America, philatelists banded | | | | today, revenue stamps, or first day cover stamps. |
| together in the year 1886 under the umbrella of the | | | | |