People of all ages love to collect stamps. In fact, stamp collecting is the most popular hobby in the world.

Some stamps are quite rare and valuable. The world’s most valuable stamp is the 1855 Swedish 3-skilling banco (ie: currency used in Sweden) yellow which sold for $US 1.35 million in 1990. This stamp is very valuable because it is a mistake. The stamp is meant to be green, but was printed yellow in error. So far only one copy of the yellow version has ever been found.

People collect stamps for all sorts of reasons, not just because they might be valuable. Some do it because they like the designs. Others enjoy learning about other countries through their stamps. Others are interested in a particular topic and like to collect everything to do with that topic.

Whatever the reason, stamp collecting is fun and it’s really easy to get started.

Getting Started

You don’t need much to start your collection - just a few stamps and a place to keep and display them.

You can buy packets of mixed stamps from the post office to start your collection.

The best way of storing your stamp collection is in a stamp album. Australia Post has a great kit called the 'Stamp Collector Kit', with a loose leaf stamp album included. Check it out at your nearest participating post office.

Stamp Collecting Month 

October every year is stamp collecting month! During this month there are special stamps, products and activities that promote stamp collecting. In 2007, the Stamp Collecting Month issue is Blast Off! 50 years in space  (Simply click the link and it will take you to the fun website.)

The Collecting Stamps section of the Australia Post Stamps website has lots more information about collecting stamps, as well as details of the latest Australian stamp issues. (Clicking this link will take you to the Stamps site so you can explore and learn more.)

You might like to join the Stamp Gang and get regular free copies of the Stamp Explorer magazine (check with a parent or carer to see if it’s okay). This is full of great information about stamps and stamp collecting, as well as fun games and puzzles.