What is a First Day Cover (FDC?)
What Is a First Day Cover and Why Is It Important? A first day cover (FDC) is an envelope, postcard, or similar item that features a newly issued postage stamp,…
How to Store/Archive Stamps Correctly
Stamps are vulnerable to their surroundings. Paper, gum, and ink can all be affected by light, humidity, temperature changes, and even the materials used to store them. Over time, these…
What are Definitive Postage Stamps?
What is a Definitive Postage Stamp? Definitive stamps are regular-issue postage stamps produced in large quantities for everyday use. Unlike commemorative stamps, which are issued for limited periods, definitives are…
What is Foxing on Postage Stamps?
Foxing on stamps refers to the brownish or reddish discoloration caused by fungal or mould growth, typically resulting from exposure to moisture or poor storage conditions. It appears as spots…
Glossary Of Philatelic Terms
The SSC Glossary of Philately terms is a great place for referencing common terms that might pop up on your stamp collecting journey. You will come across particular stamp collecting…
How to Identify a Postage Stamp
Stamp Identification Guide for Beginners A friendly, no‑nonsense walkthrough for spotting what you’ve got and what it might really be. Before we start If you’ve ever stared at a tiny…
Why Start Stamp Collecting?
Why Do People Collect Stamps? It’s funny, isn’t it? That a tiny piece of paper, the size of a finger, can hold so much, so much history, so much art,…
Counterfeit vs. Fraudulent Stamps: What’s the Difference?
Counterfeit stamps are unauthorised copies made to look like real postage, while fraudulent stamps involve the misuse of genuine ones to dodge postal fees. In the world of stamp collecting,…
What Is Postal History? A Beginner’s Guide for Collectors
Postal history is the study and collection of postal systems, mail routes, rates, postmarks, and markings that reveal how mail was processed and delivered over time. It is a fascinating…
Is Stamp Collecting Still Popular?
Stamp collecting is a timeless hobby that’s been enjoyed for centuries, and it’s still going strong today. Some people might think that stamp collecting is no longer popular, but that…