Invest in a good stamp catalogue

A stamp catalogue is a real asset to any stamp collector who plan to be involved in the hobby for the long haul.

In essence, a stamp catalogue provides you with information about different stamp types, the rarity of stamps and their approximate market value.

When stamp catalogues first emerged many years ago, they were simply lists of individual dealers’ prices. These days there are international catalogues that take in a remarkable spectrum of stamp collecting activity.

As the hobby of philately has developed and grown, catalogues have expanded to include information about date of stamp issues, variations in colour and other assorted details.

There are currently five well recognised catalogues that have an expansive international coverage. They are the Michel, Minkus, Stanley Gibbons, Scott and Yvert et Tellier catalogues.

An interesting development in the realm of stamp catalogues has been the internet, and some catalogues now have both a printed version and an online version available to collectors and dealers. Sometimes a subscription will give you access to both services.

If you are serious about your stamp collection then at some stage it will be wise to invest in a quality stamp catalogue.