Welcome to the Club

This is a stamp swap club created for all those who like to collect and swap stamps.  Our mission is to connect people all over the world and let them exchange their stamps in a friendly environment. Registration is FREE.

Also, this is the right place for you if you are a beginner in stamp collecting . We are here to support you in your adventure with advices, specific terms, tips and tricks, and the best… free stamps (sorry but for the moment this offer is available only in Romania).

Want free stamps? All you have to do is write us a few lines about yourself and your interests. Through the generosity of our members, we are giving away free stamp packets to any child under age 16. All we ask is that you send us a self-addressed stamped envelope, if you live in Romania, to help with postage fees. 

Send your requests to romanianstampclub@yahoo.com with the subject Free Stamps Offer.

Donations of duplicate stamps and/or supplies are gratefully accepted at the address above to further our outreach efforts.

Stamp collecting tools

Stockbooks are temporary albums that keep stamps safe until they can be properly mounted into albums. Many collectors like to use stockbooks to store extra stamps that they wish to sell or trade. Most stockbook pages have long shallow pockets that hold stamps into place. When needed, the stamp can easily be slipped out of the pocket and back in again. Most stockbooks have glassine like sheets between pages to prevent your stamps from sticking. Smaller pocket-sized stockbooks are great to take to stamp shows, for they allow you to keep your new purchases reasonably safe, until you are able to mount them in your album. Albums are great for keeping a well organized and protected stamp collection.

Stamp catalogs and price guides are illustrated lists of stamps, arranged by year, that give a current market value for a given stamp issue. Catalogs are great for identifying postage stamps, because many list color and design variations, watermarks, perforation sizes, printing types, and other factual information for each stamp issue. The catalog most widely used by stamp collectors is the Scott Postage Stamp Catalog. The fact is they are pretty expensive. A way of getting acces to them is by subscribing to a Philatelic Association. But with an internet connection you can access a free online catalogue too.

Stamp tongs are the best way to handle your stamps, without causing damage to them. Tongs are small light weight tweezer-like instruments used in the handling of postage stamps. Tongs come in a variety of tip shapes, allowing the user to choose which pair best suits their personal tastes.

Magnifying glasses are perhaps the most useful tool in stamp collecting. Many stamp issues vary only slightly in their design, maybe a single line slightly longer in one issue or a dot missing in another.

 

Glassines are translucent, thin, paper envelopes used to hold stamps. They are made of a special material that prevents stamps from adhering to them. Many collectors use glassines to keep their stamps sorted, clean, and undamaged until they can later place them into albums. Many dealers and retail businesses will also use glassines when shipping stamps to customers. Glassines should not be used for long term storage, because humidity and moisture may still get to your stamps, and could cause them to stick together.

 

Perforation gagues help measure the number of perforation holes in a two centimeter space along the edge of a postage stamp. Often times, the only way to tell the difference between two seemingly identical issues is with a perforation gauge. To use a perforation gauge, simply place a stamp on the gauge and slide it. When the dots or humps on the gauge perfectly match the perforation holes on your stamp, you have found your perf number.

 

So, after all these said, are you ready to start your collection now?

 

Philately, or stamp collecting, is a time-honored hobby enjoyed by collectors all over the world. This can be a pleasant way to spend your free time, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are stamps out there for sale that range in price from fifteen cents to half a million euros! Some people collect stamps for fun, and some go into business. If you’re new to the world of stamp collecting, start slow and learn as much as you can!

There are various places where you can buy stamps for your collection. In Romania you can visit stamp dealers, contact the local Philatelic Association, look after Romfilatelia boutiques or even try Ebay!

Regardless of where you buy your stamps, it’s important to know the basics of stamp care.  You’ll need an album designed for storing collectible stamps. You can find special pages for your album that reflect the type of stamps you are collecting. You will also need stamp supplies like a magnifying glass to see details on stamps, glassine envelopes to store and transport stamps, maybe a watermark detector to look for hidden watermarks, a perforation gauge to measure individual stamp perforations (if you want to be a pro), and a stamp catalog so that you can identify various stamps. These supplies can be purchased most anywhere that collectible stamps are sold and don’t cost very much.

The kind of stamps you decide to collect will depend on your personal preferences. Some people collect old stamps from their native country. Others collect commemorative stamps or decorative stamps. Still others like to collect stamps from around the world. Take a look at some stamp magazines and books to get an idea of the type of stamps you’d like to collect. Some people collect stamps that they think will gain in value, while others choose stamps based on their aesthetic value.

Stamp collecting can be a great hobby for people of all ages. The more you learn about stamps and stamp collecting, the more you’ll see how fun the quest for rare and interesting stamps can be!

(Source: stampcollectinginformation.com)

How to register?

Dear collector,

In order to be a part of our swap club you have to register. Registration is free.

Please send an email to romanianstampclub@yahoo.com with the following data:

Name:

Nickname (only this will be listed in the members’ area):

Address:

City:

Country:

Zip/postal code:

 

Your request: (continent, country, topic, years etc.)

Your offer: (continent, country, topic, years etc.)

 

All data are confidential and used only for the purpose stipulated in this site.

 

You are kindly asked to support our initiative by sending an amount of  30 to100 stamps to the address given after registration. These stamps will be given to children and begginer collectors who would like to join the filatelic world. Thank you.

Welcome message

This is a stamp swap club created for all those who like to collect and swap stamps. 

Our mission is to connect people all over the world and let them exchange their stamps in a friendly environment. Also, we would like to be a support for beginners, offering information about filately, specific terms, free stamps and more.

How does it work? Anyone who would like to be part of this club has to register (see more under Register category). The Admin will include you in our database and choose the appropriate person for you to swap with according to your preferencies.

If you have any suggestions related to thsi club feel free to contact us at romanianstampclub@yahoo.com

Stamp collecting can be a lifetime hobby. The basic rule is to enjoy what you’re collecting.