Stamp collecting as a popular hobby<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Stamp collecting could be the most popular hobby
\nin the world. The young and old, and the rich and poor from all
\ncorners of the world enjoy collecting stamps.<\/p>\n
Stamp collectors are called philatelists. The word originated
\nfrom two Greek words, philos, which means \"loving\", and atelos,
\nmeaning either \"free of tax\", or \"has been paid\".<\/p>\n
According to the World Book of Encyclopedia, King George V and
\nFranklin D. Roosevelt are two famous collectors of the print
\nproofs of payment for the mailing costs of a letter.<\/p>\n
The increasing number of collectors made stamps a highly
\npopular item for private collections, giving birth to a hobby.
\nThe craze began to spread after the first recorded sale of an
\nadhesive stamp in 1840, in England. The rest of the world soon
\ncaught on.<\/p>\n
Philately has expanded to the study of stamps and related
\nitems.<\/p>\n
People have different reasons for collecting stamps. Some
\nsimply see it as a fun way to fill in their spare time, others
\nenjoy the beauty of the unique prints. Some specialize in stamps
\nfrom one country, others focus on a particular subject like
\nbirds, trains or a particular color.<\/p>\n
Collecting stamps is an unique way to gain insight into a
\nnation's culture and history.<\/p>\n
According to Suwito Harsono of TMA Stamps in Metro Plaza in
\nPasar Baru, Central Jakarta, there are several types of
\ncollectors in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
\"The first qualifies for primary level. They usually collect
\nstamps without a real purpose. They are mostly children. As
\nchildren, they like the stamps for the beautiful pictures. In
\nthis way, the individual sense of art makes itself known.<\/p>\n
\"The second type of collectors has passed the initial stage.
\nIn his or her youth, he or she might have been a collector, then
\nlost interest and then revived it with renewed force in later
\nlife. It is in this period that they become more selective,\"
\nSuwito said.<\/p>\n
There is another group, those who collect stamps as an
\ninvestment, commercializing philately.<\/p>\n
\"One does not need to make it a hobby to invest money in
\nphilately. They assume that when they invest now, they will make
\na certain amount of profit in several years,\" said Suwito.<\/p>\n
Biologist Tirtadinata, 70, started collecting stamps because
\nof health problems in the 1960s.<\/p>\n
\"I started to collect stamps because of my asthmatic
\ncondition,\" he said, explaining that when he couldn't sleep he
\nwould keep himself busy with his stamps.<\/p>\n
He cannot remember how many stamps he has because he stopped
\ncounting long ago. Because of his expertise in the field, he is
\noften invited to sit on international and national juries at
\nstamp exhibitions.<\/p>\n
\"It is impossible for a collector to store stamps from all
\nover the world. The philatelist has to make a decision -- a
\nchoice has to be made about one or two countries. This should be
\ngiven serious thought,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Tony, a young philatelist, specializes in musical instrument
\nprints. His hobby has led him to an interest in composers like
\nBach and Beethoven.<\/p>\n
Most philatelists strive to enlarge their collections while
\nwiden their horizons. An easy hunting ground for stamps is stamp
\nexhibitions, where many philatelists first try their hand at
\nbeing stamp dealers. One collector, Berthold, limits his dealings
\nto bartering.<\/p>\n
\"Maybe I lack business talent,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"My collection of 80 land mammal prints is now worth Rp 15
\nmillion. However, it is nothing compared to Suwito's
\ncollections,\" said Berthold.<\/p>\n
Berthold is straightforward about his investment. When in need
\nof money, he will be able to make a quick sale of his collection,
\nbecause he has access to auction houses here and abroad.<\/p>\n
Stamp prices never depreciate, but tend to increase.<\/p>\n
Foreign interest in Indonesian stamps has remained steady,
\ndespite unscrupulous traders besmirching the reputation of the
\nnation's stamps.<\/p>\n
\"The Dutch, for instance, who have historical ties with
\nIndonesia, like Indonesian stamps,\" said Tirtadinata Thung, a
\nphilatelist.<\/p>\n
-- Lila Fitri Aly<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/stamp-collecting-as-a-popular-hobby-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }