How to Pick a Stamp Album

There are a number of options available for stamp collectors and would-be stamp collectors. The albums that come with stick tabs or spots to stick the stamps on look fine but they can take away from the value of the stamp if the backs are damaged. For the most part, the better the stamp's condition, the higher the value. There are several options for stamp collectors when they want to choose an album for their collection.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Postage stamps
• Stamp album

1. Look for bound stamp albums with a hard cover that will protect the stamps and keep them from bending. The paperback albums are fine for a fun stamp collection, but for a serious collector, they are not a good choice. Albums come in a number of colors, so if you have a collection that has a number of themes, like different countries or subjects, you can get a different one for each. It is easier to keep them organized that way, too. Investing in a nicer stamp album is worth the few extra dollars for a serious stamp collector.

2. Pick a stamp album that has slots for the stamps. There are albums available with slotted rows fronted with a clear or opaque strip that holds them in place. There are a number of rows on each page. Stamps can be easily moved around this way and are not mounted permanently, which can damage the stamp. This also gives you the option to space the stamps as close or as far apart as you like.

3. Choose an album that has flexible, lightweight sheets between the pages and the stamp fronts. This will protect the front of the stamps and help to keep them from rubbing the stamps on the facing page.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep all stamp albums in a clean dry place.
• Higher quality stamp albums really do make a difference in maintaining the value of your stamp collection.