Stamp collecting is a hobby shared by many people around the world. Stamp collecting is not the same as philately, which is the study of stamps. A philatelist may, but does not have to, collect stamps.

There are other ways to collect stamps other than just single ones, from blocks to souvenir sheets to panes. A block of stamps is defined as four attached stamps or more, with at least two across and two horizontally.

The U.S. Postal Service annually celebrates American artists with each new collectible postage stamp in its American Treasures U.S. postage stamps series. Read this article and learn what are the USPS American treasures series.

Apart from being a fun and great hobby, collecting postage stamps can also be considered an important and financially rewarding leisure pursuit. For one, there's very good money in keeping and selling commemorative or rare postage stamps.

Postage stamps are proof of pre-paying fee for the postal services. It is a small gummed rectangular paper that is attached to an envelope, packages, post cards, lettercards, aerogramme, newspaper wrappers, etc.

Fake stamps are defined as a genuine stamp that has been modified in some way to change its appearance. The techniques used to fake stamps include re-gumming, repairing damage, re-perforation, and false cancels and overprints.

Cinderella postage stamps are recognized as one of the 11 types of philately. They are often called philatelic labels or revenue stamps. Read more and learn what really are these type of stamps.

The hobby of philately or stamp collecting is more rewarding and fun when you have the right philatelic supplies and stamp accessories to help you. Read this article and learn what are these postage stamp collecting tools.

Recognizing an opportunity to raise money in the fight against cancer, Ecuador issued a 6-centavo stamp from a 1930 commemorative set. It is estimated that is the current trend continues by 2020 there will be in excess of 10 million cancer deaths per year.

The United States uses its flag the Stars and Stripes and images of past presidents. Canada and other Commonwealth countries that have Queen Elizabeth II as head of state issue definitive stamps with her image or featuring their national flag.

Last 17 May, 2010, the U.S. Postal Service released a new definitive stamp designed to make life easier for postal customers who are mailing Christmas greeting cards, birthday cards, or other assorted greeting cards.