Complete stamp collecting requirements including stamp mounting techniques, history research, collection organization, and philatelic knowledge to earn this merit badge.

Requirements

  1. 1. Why Collect Stamps

    Why Stamps Matter

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a.

      Discuss how you can better understand people, places, institutions, history, and geography as a result of collecting stamps.

    2. b.
      Briefly describe some aspects of the history, growth, and development of the United States postal system. Tell how it is different from postal systems in other countries.

  2. 2. Choosing a Collecting Style

    Types of Collections

    Name and describe three other types of stamp collections.

  3. 3. Stamp Vocabulary

    Stamp Terms in Action

    Do all
    Show at least ONE example of each of the following:
    1. a Perforated and imperforate stamps
    2. b Mint and used stamps
    3. c Sheet, booklet, and coil stamps
    4. d Numbers on plate block, booklet, coil, or marginal markings
    5. e Overprint and surcharge
    6. f Metered mail
    7. g Definitive, commemorative, semipostal, and airmail stamps
    8. h Cancellation and postmark
    9. i First day cover
    10. j Postal stationery (aerogramme, stamped envelope, and postal card)

  4. 4. Value and Condition

    Catalogs and Condition

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a.
      Demonstrate the use of ONE standard catalog for several different stamp issues. Explain why catalog value can vary from the corresponding purchase price.
    2. b.
      Explain the meaning of the term condition as used to describe a stamp. Show examples that illustrate the different factors that affect a stamp’s value.

  5. 5. Collector's Tools

    Choosing Your Tools

    Choose 3
    Demonstrate the use of at least THREE of the following stamp collector’s tools:

    1. Using Stamp Tongs

      Stamp tongs

    2. Soaking With Water and a Tray

      Water and tray

    3. Inspecting With Magnifiers

      Magnifiers

    4. Hinges and Mounts

      Hinges and stamp mounts

    5. Measuring With a Perforation Gauge

      Perforation gauge

    6. Safe Storage Sleeves

      Glassine envelopes and cover sleeves

    7. Finding Watermarks

      Watermark fluid

  6. 6. Albums and Preservation

    Mounting and Protecting a Collection

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a.
      Show a stamp album and how to mount stamps with or without hinges. Show at least ONE page that displays several stamps.
    2. b.

      Discuss at least THREE ways you can help to preserve stamps, covers, and albums in first-class condition.

  7. 7. Creative Projects

    Pick Two Stamp Projects

    Choose 2
    Do TWO of the following:

    1. Design Work

      Design a stamp, cancellation, or cachet.

    2. Visit the Stamp World

      Visit a post office, stamp club, or stamp show with an experienced collector. Explain what you saw and learned.

    3. Review a Stamp Article

      Write a review of an interesting article from a stamp newspaper, magazine, book, or website (with your parent or guardian’s permission).

    4. Research Stamp History

      Research and report on a famous stamp-related personality or the history behind a particular stamp.

    5. How Stamps Are Made

      Describe the steps taken to produce a stamp. Include the methods of printing, types of paper, perforation styles, and how they are gummed.

    6. Build a Stamp Display

      Prepare a two- to three-page display involving stamps. Using ingenuity, as well as clippings, drawings, etc., tell a story about the stamps , and how they relate to history, geography, or a favorite topic of yours.

  8. 8. Building Your Collection

    Choose Your Album Project

    Choose 1
    Mount and show, in a purchased or homemade album, ONE of the following:

    1. 250 Stamps From 15 Countries

      A collection of 250 or more different stamps from at least 15 countries

    2. 50 Countries on Maps

      A collection of a stamp from each of 50 different countries, mounted on maps to show the location of each

    3. One Country or Region

      A collection of 100 or more different stamps from either one country or a group of closely related countries

    4. A Thematic Collection

      A collection of 75 or more different stamps on a single topic. (Some interesting topics are Scouting, birds, insects, the Olympics, sports, flowers, animals, ships, holidays, trains, famous people, space, and medicine). Stamps may be from different countries.

    5. A 30-Day Mail Study

      A collection of postal items discovered in your mail by monitoring it over a period of 30 days. Include at least five different types listed in requirement 3.