Help for Stamp Collectors - Philatelic Societies & Local Stamp Clubs

One of the most valuable assets a stamp collector can have is a reputable, trustworthy, reliable stamp dealer. A good stamp dealer will work with you and go out of his or her way to help you build your stamp collection. A stamp dealer like that will also cheerfully answer questions, help you identify "toughies," look for specific stamps that you want, and otherwise act as a great stamp resource.

Other types of help are also available. Some of the best resources are philatelic societies and local stamp clubs.

For American stamp collectors, the "Great-Great-Granddaddy" of all philatelic societies is the American Philatelic Society (the "APS"). Take a look at their website. There's a wealth of information there and it's not expensive to join.

More specialized societies also exist. Three that come quickly to mind are the Plate Number Coil Collectors Club ("PNC3"), the American Plate Numbers Singles Society ("APNSS") and the American Topical Association ("ATA"). Hundreds of additional specialty stamp societies exist.

Local stamp clubs can also be a wealth of information as well as camaraderie. They allow stamp collectors to get together in person for informative meetings (often including presentations by the members), exhibitions and stamp bourses. Check your local area to see if there's a stamp club. If there is, join it.