Philippine Stamps and Topical Stamp Collecting, 2nd Edition

     There are two types of knowledge in topical stamp collecting. The first type of knowledge is called philatelic knowledge, and as the term clearly suggests, it is knowledge of stamp collecting. In its broadest sense, it is knowledge of the history of stamps and philatelic items as well as the condition, value and availability of these items. Philatelic knowledge also refers to the process of selecting the philatelic items for collection or exhibit. A collection or an exhibit with a wide variety of philatelic materials is a clear indication of the depth of a collector's philatelic knowledge.

 

     The second type of knowledge can be called subject knowledge. It refers to knowledge of the topic or subject for collection. If a collector collects eagles on stamps and philatelic items, then the collector should possess some information on eagles. As the collector progresses from the beginner level to the advance level in stamp collecting, the collector can use this knowledge to make a good thematic exhibit in competitive philatelic exhibition. At this level, subject knowledge is one important part of thematic knowledge which is best expressed with a presentation of a logical and comprehensive story on the topic under study. Rules on competitive philatelic exhibition require the integration of thematic knowledge and philatelic knowledge.

 

     Thus, it is quite sensible to collect data on the philatelic items and subject for collection. Philatelic organizations, books and websites on stamp collecting, stamp catalogs and encyclopedias are good sources of information. Below is a simple table which represents the most fundamental type of data gathering in stamp collecting. This kind of data serves as one of the bases for creating a thematic collection or exhibit.

 

     A stamp collector at the beginner’s level will, quite likely, commit a few (or even some) mistakes along the way of building up his or her collection. That’s alright; all collectors have experienced this situation. We didn’t have the knowledge at the beginning. The good news is this: the collector will be able to improve his or her collection. A few more years of study and an unwavering interest in one’s collection will help the stamp collector move on from the beginner’s level to the medium level; from there, he or she can only become an advanced collector of stamps.