Curhan Stamps: Your Source for Collectible Postage Stamps

At Curhan Stamps, we are passionate about the exciting world of postage stamp collecting, which is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States. More than 20 million Americans enjoy postage stamp collecting, with millions more taking part in the exciting hobby worldwide.

We take great pride in our extensive inventory of collectible United States postage stamps, which are competitively priced and suitable for everyone from beginner, intermediate, and advanced collectors. If you are new to postage stamp collecting and looking to start an inventory of your own, or a veteran collector seeking specific stamps to add to your existing collection, we have the expertise, qualifications, and experience to serve you.

Curhan Stamps provides a full range of collectible postage stamps, from bargain-priced items to rarities and other hard-to-find gems. As postage stamp collecting enthusiasts and industry professionals, we stand behind our stamps and fully guarantee the soundness, grade, and authenticity of every stamp we sell. We guarantee that you will be satisfied with the collectible postage stamps you purchase from Curhan Stamps.

Contact Curhan Stamps today, either by phone or email, to learn more about the hobby of postage stamp collecting. Be sure to ask about our free, monthly catalogue featuring our entire inventory of collectible postage stamps.

About Postage Stamp Collecting

17 Extremely Fine OG VLH '01 PFC Rare Stamp!

Postage stamp collecting is a hobby that is popular with millions of Americans, both young and old. Many beginning collectors enjoy the thrill and challenge of finding stamps from different time periods, while most sophisticated collectors focus on gathering rare, valuable stamps in order to increase the financial value of their collections. Collectible postage stamps therefore appeal to a wide variety of hobbyists for different reasons.

It should be noted that postage stamp collecting differs from the formal study of stamps, which is called philately. Therefore, not all philatelists collect stamps, and not all those who engage in postage stamp collecting are philatelists.

Postage Stamp Collecting History

The first postage stamp was issued in Britain in 1840. The stamp, called the Penny Black, featured a picture of Queen Victoria and was printed without perforations, meaning the stamps had to be cut from a single sheet by the user of the stamp.

Postage stamp collecting became a hobby as early as 1860, and by the 1920s, the hobby had gained in popularity. However, stamps issued during this period carry little value and are widely available today.

Postage Stamp Collecting Facts

Errors made in printing stamps, resulting in stamp images that are off center or upside down, for example, tend to greatly increase the value of collectible postage stamps. Many collectors search out stamps containing printing errors for this reason.

Many collectors focus on certain types of collectible postage stamps, such as those issued by nations from all over the world. Stamps issued by European and Asian countries are among the most popular for collectors, mostly because of their beautiful artistic qualities. Commemorative stamps, pictorials, and revenue stamps are also commonly collected.

There are literally thousands of organizations serving the needs and interests of people who enjoy postage stamp collecting. The Internet has been instrumental in expanding the hobby and helping to connect collectors from across the world.