How to Collect Russian Stamps
The challenge of collecting Russian stamps can keep a philatelist happy for a lifetime. The sometimes rare, sometimes quirky and always colorful stamps tell the story of Russian history. Stamps can be found that date from the days of the czars through the socialist revolution and on to the fall of the Soviet Union. The first acquisition in your Russian collection should be knowledge of the country's history and the chronology of its stamp usage. Many resources are available to guide you on your way through the fascinating world of Russian stamp collecting.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Read information about Russian stamp collecting from at least three different sources to get a working knowledge of the field. Read about the history of postage stamps in Russia and the main areas of philatelic interest. A list of key publications in the field and how to obtain them is found at the website of the British Society of Russian Philately (bsrp.org). An in-depth history of Russian philately can be found in "Russian Stamps, Philately & Postal History" at rossia.com/stamps.
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2
Read about how political and social factors affected the issuance and use of stamps. The Rossica Society of Russian Philately website (rossica.org) is an invaluable resource for this study. Good images and information about Russian stamps are found at the website of the A.S. Popov Central Museum of Communications (rustelecom-museum.ru), where you can view images of stamps from Russian philatelic history under the "Collections" button.
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3
Choose one area of Russian stamp collecting that most interests you. Do you want to find early imperial stamps? Perhaps stamps from after the 1917 Revolution interest you. You may want to collect "zemstvo" stamps issued and used within localities. Join online forums or local philately clubs to discuss your interest.
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4
Budget for your first purchase. Determine how much to spend based on your overall budget for collecting. Will you spend $5,000 or $10 for your first purchase? Do you wish to buy and sell or just buy? Chances are you will wish to purchase a second stamp soon after your first, so look at your collecting budget with a long view.
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5
Attend stamp shows or check websites of dealers and collectors to search for the first stamp or collection you will purchase. Some dealers sell boxes of mixed stamps or completed collections. View online Russian stamp collections and auctions.
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6
Choose a stamp to buy and verify its value. Use catalog and online listings of similar stamps or the same stamp to compare prices. Ultimately the price is what someone will spend to buy it. If the stamp is rare or valuable you may wish to consult an expert to determine authenticity and value. Remember, sometimes the fakes are valuable.
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7
Purchase or bid on your first stamp when you have located it. You may not win a bid but do not be hurried into bidding or buying just because the item is hot. You may see the same stamp again soon or for a better price.
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