Table of Contents

​

1. Introduction - Pg. 2

​

2. How To Use This Book - Pg. 4

​

3. Getting Started - Pg. 5

​

4. Categories of Collecting - Pg. 7

​

5. Using a Catalog - Pg. 9

​

6. Acquiring an Album - Pg. 10

​

7. Supplies You Will Need - Pg. 13

​

8. Watermarking - Pg. 14

​

9. Perforations - Pg. 15

​

10. Locating Hard to Find Stamps in the Catalog - Pg. 15

​

11. Color Identification - Pg. 16

​

12. Mounting/Handling Stamps - Pg. 16

​

13. Removing Old Paper Hinges/Stamps that Have Stuck Down - Pg. 18

​

14. Advanced Collector - Pg. 21

​

15. Forgeries, Reprints, Damaged Stamps - Pg. 23

​

16. Watermarking/Perforations - Pg. 24

​

17. Storage - Pg. 25

​

18. Starting Dealer/Specialization - Pg. 26

​

19. Beginning Dealer Full or Part Time - Pg. 28

​

20. Selling on Ebay - Pg. 30

​

21. Acquiring Stamps for Resale - Pg. 31

​

22. Estimating a Worldwide Collection - Pg. 35

​

23. Warning Buying Fakes! - Pg. 37

​

24. Tips on Purchasing Better Items - Pg. 51

​

25. Purchasing Stamps at Auction - Pg. 52

​

26. Purchasing Stamps from Other Dealers/Private Parties - Pg. 61

​

27. Qualifying a Purchase Before an Appointment - Pg. 65

​

28. Appraisal Procedures, Appointments - Pg. 69

​

29. Purchasing Postal History - Pg. 71

​

30. Using the Michael Catalog - Pg. 72

​

31. Tips on Auction Firms - Pg. 73

​

32. Which Auction Firm Should I Use? - Pg. 75

​

33. Photo Section/For the Novice to See if he/she has a Valuable Collection or Only Hobby - Pg. 78

​

34. Stamp Vocabulary - Pg. 86