Stamp Collecting is the collecting of postage stamps and things related to postage stamps. It is one of the world's most popular hobbies.
Philately is a more formal term for stamp collecting. In spite of its global popularity, it remains unprofitable for many individuals, giving rise to the phrase, "Philately will get you nowhere". (Who says stamp collectors have no sense of humor?..)
A stamp collector is known as a Philatelist?.
Stamp collectors collect:
- [postage stamp]?s
- [Postal Stationary]? - includes government issued post cards, aerogram?s, air letter sheets, etc
- [revenue stamp]?s
- Postage Due stamps
- Duck stamps (mainly U.S. with some other countries such as Canada)
- Philatelic literature
- Government issued material associated with postage stamps (e.g., envelopes)
- stamp like labels
- non-stamp items picturing actual postage stamps
- non-stamp items picturing stamp like labels
- counterfeit/forged postage stamps
- postmarks