Stamp Collecting Accessories And Their Uses

There are thousands of stamp collectors across the globe, out of which some take their hobby seriously while many others do it just for fun. Serious collectors always make sure that they have the right kind of stamp collecting accessories to take care of their collection. Many of them also invest in rare stamps of the world and auction them later for impressive amounts. Maintaining the condition of stamps becomes critical if you want to make money out of this hobby and this is possible only if you have quality philatelic supplies. Let's take a look at some stamp collecting supplies that genuine collectors buy.

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Stamp tongs:

When you handle postage stamps without any precautions carelessly, there are chances that you might fold or tear them accidentally. Moreover, old stamps are more delicate in nature and should be handled with more care. Stamp tongs can help you pick up stamps easily without folding or tearing them accidentally. Apart from that, these stamp collecting accessories keep your valuable stamps away from your soiled hands.

Magnifying glass:

Many a times, collectors have to take a closer look at texts and designs. It is difficult to analyse the minute detailing of stamp designs with your naked eye. In such cases magnifying glasses come in handy.

Stamp collecting albums:

These are the most commonly used affordable stamp collecting accessories by collectors all over the world. These philatelic supplies help in arranging stamps in a systematic manner based on themes or country name. You can affix your stamps in albums using a hinge or a mount. You can decide the number of stamps that you want to display on a page and arrange your collection accordingly. When you store stamps randomly in boxes or drawers, there are chances that you might misplace them. When it comes to albums, you can prepare an index and keep a track of every stamp in your collection. You can also leave space for a little write-up about the stamps on a particular page.

Stamp stockbooks, stockpages and binders:

Many collectors get confused between stamp albums and stamp stockbooks. Stamp stockbooks have plastic slits in which you can arrange as many stamps as you want. This is useful for the ad-hoc collector who simply wants to store their stamps safely, away from any kind of dust or moisture. However, these collecting supplies are not suited if you want to arrange a collection for a competition. You can also buy stamp stockpages separately and add them to your stockbooks in case you are running out of space. Stamp Binders are generally made of hard cover and are thicker since they have a circular metallic binder at the centre.

There are many other stamp collecting accessories such as a Perforation gauge (to measure perforation), watermark detector (to identify hidden watermarks), colour key (to categorise colour schemes) etc. that help collectors in different ways. If you are really serious about this hobby, then you will surely be more excited when you have the right tools with you.

Learn about various types of quality stamp collecting accessories used by serious collectors all over the world and how they come in handy to take care of your valuable collection.

Stamps Of India Collectibles And Your Own Likes

What defines a particular country? There are various aspects that can be considered when you are trying to understand about a country. One of it is its history; the other is its geography. Then comes other aspects like wildlife, sociology, culture, tradition and the list goes on. Every country has its own identity which makes it unique in some ways. Architecture also plays a major role here. That's the reason why Greece has its own style of architecture, Arabian nations have their own style and English countries can be distinguished by its unique architecture as well.

Many a times a country is ruled by emperors from a different land, who came in and conquered a particular area. Influences play a very important role here. People living in a particular area would be highly influenced by the culture and tradition of that location. So how do you go about understanding these beautiful aspects of a country? There are many ways of doing this. Some are extremely complex while others are outright simple. Let's take a look at one of the easier ways of approaching this subject. For example if you want to gain knowledge about a country like India then you could start studying about stamps of India from Mintage World.

Seems a bit illogical? Well, it is not really so. Indian stamps portray subjects that touch on an array of topics. The moment you start collecting rare Indian stamps, you will definitely feel the need to learn about the various depictions on them. Mintage World is the website where you can learn about Indian Stamps. If you are a topical collectors then rare Indian stamps is literally a sea out there. They cover different areas like personalities, science, technology, history. There are stamps of India that have shown dogs on them. So if you are a dog lover, then all you will have to do is start collecting them and start reading on all these breeds of Indian dogs. Then there is a series of Indian commemorative postage stamps which commemorate trains and engines. I know about a few friends who are absolutely crazy about trains. Now imagine if they find a stamp featuring old trains on them! They would definitely love them all.

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Understanding what you like as a person is very important as well. Many youngsters these days simply follow what others are doing just because it has become a trend. What happens when you follow a trend is that you don't analyse what it that you really like from the bottom of the heart is. You keep doing something you don't really like, all your life and before you even realise, it would be too late. So how you understand who you really are as a person? It is not rocket science. You need to sit back and relax first. You shouldn't feel the compulsion of doing anything. Close your eyes and think of your childhood days, what you liked doing back then and what your real strengths were as a person. You will slowly find a pattern in all those events of your life. All you have to do then is connect the dots search for truth. What brings a smile on your face, what makes you happy internally, what is it that charges you up? Once you find an answer to these questions, life becomes easier. Finally after you have arrived at a conclusion, you can start collecting rare Indian stamps based on your topic of interest. Not just Indian stamps, you can also stretch the barrier a bit and indulge in collecting stamps of other countries too.

So we have covered two things here. One is that you start learning about your own country India in a more fun way by collecting Indian stamps. The other is that you have also made that effort to actually find out what you really like in life. Almost like a self-discovery. I think that kids should be introduced to stamps of India at a very young age so that they are also aware of a new of learning things. Kids, being the way they are will be bound to get bored very easily. When you show them stamps of India, they will definitely start getting more excited and would want to learn with an alert mind. Not just kids actually, anyone and everyone who starts collecting stamps of India will soon fall in love with them.

The hobby not only enlightens you about different things in life but also doesn't allow you to sit idle. You can start gazing at your amazing collecting of stamps of India whenever you want and side by side also start reading about topics that have been showcased on them. In a way you are not whiling away your time doing something that is not very useful.

So be it wanting to know about your country, understanding your own likes or keeping yourself busy in a good way, collecting stamps of India taught me a whole lot of things!

How Coin Collecting Supplies Have Evolved Over The Years

 The past scenario was really a challenging one for coin collectors as they were driven by passion to collect coins for the joy of it. But their joy didn't stay for long as they used primitive methods to store their cherished passion. Due to which, everything suffered. However, the present scenario is favoring numismatists as they can rely on coin collecting supplies to protect their collection. From using plastic bags and plastic bottles to utilizing coin capsules, a lot has changed over the years.

There was a time when coin collecting supplies were not available at all, but when the need arises, people realize that something needs to be done to prevent something bad from happening. And, that's how coin collecting accessories came into existence. These accessories are really helpful in preserving all types of coins, whether ancient, medieval or modern. They can protect them from dust, mites and moisture, thus increasing the life of coins.

However, since we are in the age of technology, things are really easy and work too has been simplified. Coin collecting accessories is such a boon for collectors as they get to protect something that is of immense value to them. Preserving coins with the help of modern techniques is trending nowadays. There are numerous ways in which you can assemble your collection and stack them in a coin collecting album. Previously, there were few, who pursued such hobbies, but off late, this particular hobby has gained recognition worldwide. And people from all walks of life have developed immense respect of numismatists as they think, the field is rich and graceful.

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When it comes to coin collecting storage supplies, there are many online stores that provide discounts and also ensure quality product delivery at home. Therefore, Numismatists in India are going to various lengths to safeguard their collection. Some rely on coin collecting sheets as they are perfect shields against all types of negativity that can damage their treasured pieces. Many online stores are always coming up with new products and tools with enhanced protection.

Aspiring collectors, who want to enter the field of numismatics, should be prepared for challenging tasks and long nights to decipher rare coins. But, they should also keep in mind that these rare coins are very delicate and any form of rash or harsh treatment given to them, can have serious repercussions. Hence, it is really important to have full knowledge about protecting coins. They should purchase coin holder album as it is perfect tool to store wide variety of coins. But, when you're looking for the best, then money coin holder is surely an amazing choice.

It is really hard to separate a coin lover from his collection as their passion is limitless. You can see it in their glittering eyes when they speak about their favorite pieces and they cherish every ounce of knowledge and share it for the betterment of the society. Coin collectors are humble as they've explored unknown territories and heard stories that inspired them.

Age is Not a Barrier For Collecting Stamps of India

It is a very sorry state to see that we, as Indians are drifting away from our own cultures and traditions at a very fast pace. The influence of western culture on the young generation has deeply affected our heritage. There is a need to make youngsters aware about our country's richness, be it history, personalities, wildlife, or regional traditions, music, art and literature. Stamps of India represent this cultural diversity in the most beautiful way. Although, writing letters has become obsolete with the advent of technological advances in the field of communication, stamp collecting is a hobby that still survives.

Nurture Young Minds:

There is a need to encourage more and more youngsters to pursue this amazing hobby. When kids are introduced to various kinds of Indian stamps, they will get a fair idea about the important aspects of our country. After Independence, India Post has released so many wonderful stamps covering numerous themes and subjects, that you will be truly mesmerised! Children can be asked to pick up a theme of their choice and start collecting stamps in India. This will increase their general knowledge about various events from the past and personalities, multi-fold. Apart from that, the process of collecting stamps is joyous, not like reading boring school textbooks. Students will willingly want to learn about the imagery featured on stamps of India. Philately in a way, introduces a fun way to educate oneself about India's pride.

Problem with current education system:

There is no point forcing students to study just for the sake of scoring good marks in examinations. The education system in India itself needs to be revamped by making use of innovative learning tools and mediums. Philately is definitely one of those innovative tools indeed. There is no question of mugging up answers when students do their research on their own. Understanding concepts become much simpler when you are personally interested in learning something new. Moreover, things that you learn this way stay fresh in your memory for a long period of time. Education shouldn't be ideally restricted to only scoring good marks. Education is all about being aware and gaining more knowledge. Most parents pressurise their kids to score well thinking that good marks would fetch them a good job in the future. Instead they should take the initiative for helping them in collecting rare Indian stamps. When parents show kids a new exciting way of learning something new, children are quick to grasp the concepts.

The perfect website to learn about Indian stamps:

Finding the right kind of information is also essential when it comes to researching about Stamps of India. There are several websites out there where you will find data about different kinds of rare Indian stamps. The only problem with many of these websites is that the information is not well-categorised or formatted. Mintage World is a one-of-a-kind website where you will not face this problem at all. All the information you need about any Indian stamp is listed in an organised fashion. All you have to do is select the necessary category and search for data related to stamps of India based on various parameters like issue date, theme, subject etc. It is a perfect online reference guide for anybody who is looking to make an impressive collection of Indian stamps. Even if the school curriculum does not have stamp collecting as a subject, as parents you can always show your children this website from where they can gain knowledge about different kinds of Indian stamps.

It's never too late:

If you are thinking that stamp collecting is only for kids then you are wrong. There is no age to start learning something new. Collecting different stamps of India keeps you excited always. You also get a chance to meet likeminded individuals and collectors in your journey. When you network with new people, the chances of finding a new rare Indian stamp become much higher. There are some collectors who took up this hobby at a very later stage in life. The most fascinating aspect of this hobby is that there is something to look forward to in life apart from your daily mundane activities. When you go back home after a hard day at work, you can spend some good time gazing at your lovely collection of Indian stamps and reading about the subjects presented on them. The hobby keeps your mind busy in something fascinating and keeps you away from all your troubling worries. In this day and age when stress is something that you cannot avoid, collecting rare stamps of India can act as the perfect de-stress button. Also, when you have nothing to do after retirement, the hobby helps in keeping your mind active!

Stamp collection is so easy that you won't have to rack your brains to get started. Simply go to the nearest post office and check out the latest stamps of India released by India Post. No matter if you are old young, stamp collection is for each and every one! Start collecting Indian stamps right away!

Read why collecting stamps of India doesn't just increase the knowledge-base of kids but also spices up your life as you are growing older!

Journey of Ancient Indian Old Coins From Ancient Times to Colonial Period

Old Indian coins have a history that is unimaginably long and mysterious. In fact there are mentions about money and coins in ancient Indian vedic texts. But there are no strong evidences to support these statements and ensure whether they really existed in those days. Even then, Indian old coins are considered to be the oldest coins in the world. Experts and historians have debated on this topic since a long time. Some say that the Greek drachma of Aegina are the first coins while there are researchers who have said that the first that were stuck in Ephesus, Lydia in 650 BC. Ancient coins of India dates back to 6th century BC where You will find a lot of information about these online.

Doesn't really matter where the first coins of the world were struck, the matter of the fact is that Indian coins have always been extremely interesting to explore. That's the reason why collectors and numismatists from all over the world have shown so much interest in learning more about Indian old coins. Old Indian coins can be classified into three categories, namely, ancient, medieval and colonial. I go to know about this website, when I was doing my research on mughal coins. The website is easy to navigate and you will find everything you need to know about all kinds of coins of ancient India.

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Ancient Indian coins were minted when the Indian subcontinent was divided into various janapada. Each of these janapada had their own kings and emperors. Even today, coins that were issued by mauryan kings are sought after by collectors throughout the world. I had recently visited a coin exhibition which showcased very interesting collections of old Indian coins. I got a chance to buy a brilliant Chandragupta maurya coin. The moment I posted pictures of my latest addition to my collection, I started getting several enquiries about them. If it would have been someone else then he or she would have definitely made some quick bucks. But, I chose to not give in to the temptation of earning a lot of money. I am a passionate collector of coins and believe that the hobby should not be adulterated by bringing in this angle of money making. Because then, it only becomes an investment opportunity, not something that will help us keep in touch with our rich culture or roots.

When we talk about ancient coins of India that fall under medieval time period, then there are coins issued by famous emperors like Akbar, Jahangir etc. The inscriptions on mughal coinage are also extremely artistic to look at and study. There are certain collectors who are only interested in collecting, just because of their amazing designs. Who can forget the Marathas and its great warrior king, Shivaji. There are many other passionate collectors who are always on the hunt for old coins of India that were issued under the great emperor.

Then comes East India Company issues that were minted when the Britishers started creating colonies on this subcontinent. After the 1857 uprising, India came directly under the British rule and the fight for independence began. It is amazing how can reveal so much about these wonderful historical events and stories. Based on a collector's interests and likes, he or she starts collecting belonging to a particular type or era. When you talk about Indian old coins, you cannot forget about the princely state issues that were minted by various famous princely states. 

The journey of Indian coinage has been a long one indeed. From 6th Century BC to today, you get to explore so many different coins that were issued by our great rulers and kings. Passionate collectors always make it a point to keep researching and increasing their knowledge base. As the market for old Indian coins is booming, one needs to take care when it comes to understanding history for understanding the rarity of a particular old coin of India. Otherwise you might end up paying a higher value for a coin which is not that rare in reality. There are several dealers who make loads of profit by selling old Indian coins. It is always preferred to check with an expert before going ahead and buying an expensive old Indian coin. Research is the key for improving your knowledge. Apart from that, as a collector you must keep attending seminars and lectures on old Indian coins by great numismatists. This is bound to give you a whole new perspective.

The journey of Indian coinage explained in brief that will help collectors who are passionate about collecting Ancient Indian Old Coins.

Three Categories of Indian Notes That Every Collector Needs to Know

 Note Collectors or notaphilists who are new to notes of India, need to have a basic understanding about the different categories. Let's quickly go through the three main categories of notes in India, so that you have a clear direction and vision before you start putting together a collection.

Early Notes of India:

Private and semi-government banks like the Bank of Hindostan, the General Bank in Bengal and Bahar, the Bengal Bank issued some of the oldest Indian note in the 18th century. These notes were issued for three presidencies namely, Bengal, Bombay and Madras, for ease of administration. Old notes of India issued by Bank of Bengal featured designs only on one side and were termed as Uniface Notes. Commerce Notes featuring an allegorical female figure personifying 'commerce' were issued later with designs on both sides. Urdu, Bengali and Devanagari languages were used on these rare note of India. Note belonging to the Britannia series with better security features and complex designs were issued by the end of the 19th century. Bank of Bombay issued early Indian note from 1850 to 1860 and they featured Town Hall of Bombay, statues of Sir Mountstraut Elphinstone and Sir John Malcom. The Bank of Madras was established in 1843 by merging Carnatic Bank (Est. 1788), the Madras Bank (Est. 1795) and the Asiatic Bank (Est. 1804). Madras Bank was the first bank in India which issued old Indian notes from 1682. Bank of Madras notes depicted Sir Thomas Munroe, Governor of Madras.

5 Rupees Bombay Presidency Note

British India Notes:

After the Paper Currency Act of 1861 became effective, the Government took the complete responsibility of issuing notes in India. Presidency Banks became agents for the issue. Currency Circles were introduced to prevent liquidation. The agreements with Presidency Banks were terminated in 1897 and the Government took complete control. Currency note of India from the Victoria Portrait Series featured uniface designs and were printed on handmade paper manufactured at the Laverstock Paper Mills. These old notes of India were cut into half. The first half was sent to the receiver and the second half was sent again after the receipt was confirmed. The Underprint Series was introduced in 1867 with better security features to combat counterfeiting activities. The very first Indian notes from the King's Portrait Series were introduced in May 1923 featuring a portrait of King George V. All British India notes issued after this featured this design. The Currency Note Press in Nasik started printing currency notes in India from 1928. The Reserve Bank of India became the controller of Currency in 1935. Security features were improved further and multicolour printing was also used. Notes depicting a portrait of Edward VIII were supposed to be printed in 1937. But Edward was abdicated from the throne and notes featuring the portrait of King George VI were issued in 1938.

100 Rupees Portrait Note of Queen Victoria

Republic India Notes:

The reserve bank of India continued to issue extant notes even after independence until the republic of India was formed on 26th January 1950. The designs for the very first republic India notes bore the denomination 1 rupee and were issued in the year 1949. Initially, it was almost decided that these notes of India would feature a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi. However, at the last moment, a design featuring the Lion Capital at Sarnath was chosen. Hindi language was highlighted on notes in India from 1953. Rs 1,000, Rs. 5,000, Rs. 10,000 were introduced again in 1954. The note size was reduced in 1967 to cut costs as the country was facing an economic downfall. A special commemorative series featuring a seated Gandhi and Sevagram Ashram in the background was released in 1969 to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Rs. 20 and Rs. 50 notes were issued in 1972 and 1975, respectively. High denomination notes were abolished in 1972. Themes like Science & Technology, Progress, Farm Mechanisation, Indian Art were highlighted through the designs featured on notes of India from the 1980s. Rupee 500 note with a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi was introduced in 1987 to support the rising economy of India. The 'Mahatma Gandhi Series' with better security features was introduced in 1996.

1 Rupee Banknote of Republic India

The currency notes of India has witnessed a lot of changes in terms of designs, denominations and security features. By closely studying the different categories of Indian notes, you will be able to create an exciting collection indeed!

Coin India - Simplify Your research by Understanding Basic Categories

 Considering the vastness of Indian Numismatics, it is very important for young collectors to break it down into basic categories so that it becomes much easier to explore the enormous varieties of Indian coins. If you are looking for the right start, then read on, this is the perfect snapshot for you!

Ancient Coins of India:

In the 6th Century BCE, the Indian subcontinent was divided into 22 different Janapadas and each Janapada issued coins of their own. Ancient Indian coin issued by Gandhara Janapada are considered to be some of the earliest coins of the world. These were rectangular silver coin which featured a six-armed symbol at both ends of one side. The other side of these ancient coins of India was left blank. These historic coin were minted using the punch-marked technique. Coming to ancient Indian empires and kingdoms, the Gupta Empire issued some of the most beautiful coins in India from 320 AD to 550 AD. When it comes to South India, Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas and Pallavas were some of the most powerful dynasties who also issued various types of ancient Indian coin. Then came the coins of Ancient Invaders like Greco-Bactrian, Indo-Greeks, Indo-Scythian, Kushans, Indo-Parthians etc. These amazing coins depict the unique cultures and traditions that these invaders followed.

Medieval India Coins:

When we talk about Indian coins, nobody can miss out on the wonderful coin that were issued by powerful and legendary emperors such as Akbar, Shivaji Maharaj, Tupu Sultan etc. Medieval India coin can be broadly classified into five major groups. Coin issued by the Sultans, the Mughals, Independent Kingdoms, Princely States and Hindu Kingdoms. Coins issued by the Sultans and Mughals featured Persian legends. Some of them even featured beautiful couplets like the ones issued by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Coins issued by Shivaji Maharaj were called as Shivrai. Introducing a new denomination at a time when the Mughals were extremely powerful is considered to be a great achievement. During Shivaji Maharaj's coronation, special Shivrai coins were minted in gold. These gold coin are extremely rare and are sold at auction houses all across the globe.

Colonial India Coins:

After the decline of the Mughal Empire, several European powers started exploiting trading opportunities in India. The most successful of them was the British East India Company who gradually started imposing their power and eventually, India was declared as the official colony of Britain. Initially, coins in India were issued by the East India Company for different circles like the Bengal Presidency, Bombay Presidency and Madras Presidency. After the revolt of 1857, British India coin were officially issued under the Queen's reign. These amazing colonial coin featured a portrait of the Queen or King on one side with the denomination an year of issue on the other side. Apart from British East India Company, several other trading companies like the Dutch East India Company, Danish East India Company, French East India Company and Portugal also issued different kinds of coins in India.

Republic India Coins:

Finally, Republic India coins are the ones that are issued by the Government of India after independence in 1947. Old British India coin were circulated as frozen currency until the first coin of republic India were issued in the year 1950. These Indian coins belonged to the Anna Series. Some of them were struck in different shapes like Square and Scalloped. The decimal coinage was adopted in the year 1957, after which both decimal as well as pre-decimal coin were circulated together for a short period of time. The 2 pice coins issued between 1957 and 1964 featured the legend "Naya Paisa" to differentiate them with the ones of the same denomination that were issued earlier.

The history of Indian coin is so vast that it is impossible to learn everything at one go. You will have to select a category and then dive deep into it, by covering one dynasty/ kingdom at a time. By following this procedure, you will get a fair idea about our glorious past.

Simplify the study of Coins of India by exploring the broad categories of Indian coinage in brief. If you are looking to pursue Indian numismatics seriously, this article is exactly what you need to get started. Understand the basics of Indian coinage so that you can research about the innumerable varieties of coins systematically.

Coin Collecting Supplies is a Blessing in Disguise For Numismatists

However, coin collecting is a tedious task and many perform a brilliant job at getting their hands on ancient or rare coins. But, sometimes, these coin lovers get so engrossed in their job that they forget to take care of their valuable collection. Coin collecting supplies are really beneficial to increase the life of coins, keeping them safe from dust, dirt, moisture and rust.

Therefore, it is really important to invest in coin collecting supplies; otherwise disaster just waits to happen. Savior your precious gems by purchasing really useful coin collecting accessories, in order to showcase it to your family and friends. It is definitely not an easy job to become a numismatist as there are so many struggles attached with the job, but the smooth part of the job is preserving your collection. Wouldn't you feel nice when people from around the world would appreciate you for your effort to collect coins? We are sure you would. Hence, it is necessary to protect them with the help of coin albums. It has been observed that collectors take great pride in doing all the things possible to maintain their coins, although there are a handful of people, who are laidback and instead of using coin collecting accessories, prefer using home accessories.

Always be careful of things such as plastic jars or boxes to protect coins as these materials instead of being a shield, can damage them. Therefore, experts always recommend using coin capsules to give your valuable items a safe home. Professionals, who are in the field since ages, clearly cherish their antique pieces as they carry a handsome value in the numismatic market. These coins should definitely be stored in coin storage boxes because if these items are placed in a haphazard manner in a random place, can cause serious problems.

So aspiring collectors, who want to make a name for themselves should be prepared to superlatively work hard and should possess a keen eye for detail. Also, it is really vital for them to secure their collection by going online and purchasing the best coin holders. The online market is a paradise for coin lovers because there are numerous items available at a reasonable price. Enthusiasts should make full use of this opportunity and buy coin pages that are ideal to secure your coins. And there are many new websites that offer a wide range of affordable coin collecting accessories are among the top items that are sold at an affordable price.

So, don't worry and be happy as there is a true savior for your coins. All you have to do is choose the right product that suits your budget and give your valuable pieces a shelter for life.

What Makes Stamps in India So Popular Among Philatelists

From the earliest Indian stamps to the latest ones based on intriguing themes, there is more than one reason to start collecting stamps of India. Let's find out what makes these stamps so fascinating.

Earliest Stamps of India:

The earliest Indian stamps were called as Scinde Dawk and were issued for the Sindh region on 1st July 1852. The word "Dawk" came from the Hindi word "Dak" which translates to "Post". These rare Indian postage stamps are considered to be the first ones to be issued in entire Asia. They bore the denomination one-half anna and consisted of red sealing wax with an embossed design. These circular stamps are have a very high market value as it's believed that less than 100 such stamps exist today. Since these stamps disintegrated quickly, they were replaced by a colourless design embossed on white paper. Towards the end, a blue embossing was applied on white paper.

First Stamps of Independent India:

The very first Indian stamp issued after our country got independence from the British regime on 15th August 1947, featured the Indian flag with the famous slogan "Jai Hind". They bore the denomination three and a half Annas and were meant for use only for foreign correspondence. These republic India stamps were released on 21st November 1947. The second stamp featuring the Ashokan Lions capital bore a denomination of one and a half annas and was issued for domestic use. A fifteen rupees stamp was issued on the second anniversary of India's independence on 15th August 1949 featuring the famous Satrunjaya, Jain temple complex near Palitana.

Rare Indian Stamps:

When it comes to rare stamps of India, the most famous one is the 10 rupees postage stamp featuring Mahatma Gandhi that was issued on 15th August 1948. A set of 100 such stamps were overprinted with the world "SERVICE" and were handed over the Governor General of India for official use only. These Indian rare stamps have been auctioned for thousands of rupees by auction houses all around the world. The inverted Head 4 Annas stamp issued in 1854 is another beauty to look out for. The portrait of Queen Victoria on his stamp is incorrectly printed in an inverted position and the error was discovered only in 1890. Experts believe that only 28 such stamps exist today.

Interesting Themes:

Modern stamps of India are based on numerous interesting themes as our country is known for its rich diversity. From cultures, traditions, languages, art to monuments, climate, natural wonders, wildlife, history and prominent personalities, a lot of subjects have been explored through Indian stamps over the years. Every postage stamp of India sheds light on various aspects about our country's evolution in various fields as science and technology, education, apart from other important milestones. Through the study of these Indian stamps youngsters can learn a lot about our country's identity and vibrant past.

Image Courtesy: mintageworld.com

Tips for Young Collectors:

As parents, you should encourage your kids to start building a collection of old Indian stamps. You can also take them to stamp exhibitions and seminars that keep happening around your city. By networking with like-minded collectors, they will certainly increase their knowledge in the long run. You can also let them join various types of communities and local clubs so that they maintain their interest levels in the hobby. Finally, you should also make them realise the importance of safeguarding their collection from any kind of dust or moisture by storing them in quality stamp albums.

Collecting stamps in India is always a satisfying experience for all collectors as there are so many interesting varieties to explore. So dive deep into the world of philately and start collecting right away!

Read and understand several fascinating aspects about stamps in India and their evolution. From the very first Scinde Dawk issue to the first Indian stamp after independence featuring the national flag to the latest colourful issues based on mesmerising themes, find out what makes Indian stamps so popular among philatelists.

Why Stamp Collecting Accessories Are a Must For Philatelists

Today, we are talking about how it is really important to have stamp collecting accessories. For a stamp collector, stamps are like jewels that hold precious value in the worldwide stamp market. So, to ensure the longevity of old stamps, one needs to preserve them and depend on stamp collecting accessories.

Depend on philatelic supplies to preserve stamps:

Some stamps are rare and they have enormous value when they are brought at auctions and big events. People are willing to shell out huge amounts to get their hands on old stamps. Therefore, the need to take care of them becomes really important and buying philatelic supplies is a good choice. Such small accessories doing such a great job, protecting your collection from wear and tear, from dust particles and moisture. It is the need of the hour for stamp collectors to treasure their prized possession and depend on philatelic supplies to preserve them.

Image Courtesy: mintageworld.com

Choose the best for your stamps:

There are many ways you can keep your stamp collection safe; quality stamp album stockbooks are available online and they are proven to be a useful item. Gone are the days when people use to store their stamp collection in a plastic bag with a zip. Those things are really harmful as it can seriously damage the original stamp to quite an extent. The stamp can lose its colour and its shine. So, never adopt the old method of protecting your collection. Stamp binders too are beneficial in maintaining the original features of stamps.

Take help from the digital world:

If protecting your precious collection is your first priority then don't be afraid to safeguard them with the best. Shop online and choose the best stamp stock page of a good quality to increase your stamp's life. You'll find many online stores that can help you with a wide range of quality driven products to guard your valuable collection from all kinds of negativity.

Showcase your collection and get famous:

There'll be a few dozens in the world, who wouldn't want to be famous, but many still want to get recognition for their work, their passion or simply their hobby. Philatelists love what they do and try to do everything in their capability to preserve their enormous collection. A sense of pride sinks into their hearts when they display their stamp collection at auctions and events. Also, people all over the world have a high regard for philatelists as not everyone pursues a rare hobby like that, but those who do are marvelous at their job. So aspiring stamp collectors can definitely give it a thought and also buy all the required stamp collecting accessories to preserve their beloved stamps.

Coins of The World - Your Real Passport

 Do you always dream of traveling abroad? Well, most of us do, but do not have the financial capabilities to back that lovely dream. When you travel all over the world, you explore new traditions, history, culture and much more of that particular country. Many of us are so accustomed to living between closed walls of responsibilities that we rarely look beyond the obvious. There is a need to get out of our comfort zone and discover the undiscovered. The universe is full of unanswered questions and mysteries. Nobody can actually solve all of them in one lifetime, but we can at least try to be curious and inquisitive. As we keep growing older, we keep staying away from the curious child in each one of us. So what if you cannot travel abroad, you can at least indulge in a hobby that allows you to explore the various traditions and historical events. Collecting coins of the World is one such satisfying hobby which will never let you down in any way. So search for valuable coins from around the world and start studying them right away.

When it comes to World Coins, the easiest way to categorise them would be based on countries. If you want to learn about world history then you can start by building a collection of ancient world coins. Ancient coins of Greece, Rome and India are the ones which are sought after by collectors and numismatists all over the world. Then there are medieval period coins to look out for. Valuable coins from around the world were issued by different kingdoms and empires. Each of them featured a unique design which highlights the cultural and traditional values that were promoted during that particular era. By studying rare coins of the world one can identify the genetics of a nation. The genetics of a nation is defined by its major historical events and battles. Coins of the World are sound evidences that prove the occurrence of various historical events that took place in our past.

Image Courtesy: mintageworld.com

The most challenging aspect of engaging in this hobby is research. When you have thousands of websites and portals that share information about world coins, you will be completely confused as to which source to believe in. Mintage World is a unique online portal which lists information about coins of the world in a very systematic manner. The first level of category is based on country-name. They are further divided in subcategories based on time periods and dynasties. Researching about valuable coins from around the world has never been so easy and convenient. You can also filter your searches based on type of metal, denomination, ruler name etc. The final result of your searches will give you complete obverse/ reverse descriptions, high resolution images and much more. Apart from that, the website also shares information related to various events, auctions and seminars which you could attend. They also have a blog which shares very interesting facts about various types of rare world coins.

It is only when you start building your knowledge base that you will be able to enjoy the hobby of collecting world coins thoroughly. When you lack the required knowledge, you could be easily cheated by dealers. There are many dealers out there who could randomly increase the market value of rare world coins. The value of a coin is dependent on several factors like rarity, condition, demand etc. You will have to weigh all the pros and cons before investing heavily in rare world coins.

So now that you have found a way to travel around the world without passports, start collecting world coins right away!

History of Pudukkottai – Understanding the diversity of the country

 There are quite many Princely states which flourished in the Indian Subcontinent during bygone eras. You will get a reasonable thought regarding our rich variety through the historical backdrop of these princely states. Pudukkottai was quite possibly the main princely state in South India. We should get familiar with a couple of fascinating realities about the history of Pudukkottai today.

Pudukkottai princely state was established by Raghunatha Kilavan Setupati of Ramnad. He managed from 1673 to 1708 A.D. also, wedded the sister of Thondaiman, Kathali Nachiar. 

He had filled in as a recognized ruler of Pudukkottai and Governor of Thirumayam under his brother-in-law, Regunatha Kilavan Setupati of Ramnad. He got Thirumayam post and the encompassing grounds for his numerous administrations in 1686 when he constructed himself another seat at Pudukkottai from which the state takes its name. He and his replacements set up their freedom by making elective partnerships with the leaders of Ramnad, Madura, or Tanjore. Whichever ended up requiring their help most and would either acknowledge their freedom or give regional development and abundance as a trade-off in Pudukkottai state. 

Pudukkottai Palace

Raja Vijaya Raghunath Raya aligned himself to the Nawab of the Carnatic and the British in 1752 and gave both military and material guide to the last in the numerous wars and missions against Chanda Sahib and the French, Tanjore, Madura, and the Maravans. The Raja, of Pudukkottai princely state, wilfully acknowledged British insurance in 1763, however with no formal composed understanding, simply the great expression of two steadfast partners who had been dedicated to one another through numerous changes of fortune. His grandson's administrations during the battles against Tipu Sultan and the French during the last piece of the century made sure about this status and brought increases of an area.

Even though this was to be seriously tried a few times during the next century, when the organization of Pudukkottai state was set under the management of British officials either for misrule, for falling into obligation, or the ruler's truancy, the autonomy of the state kept on being maintained all through British standard. 

Pudukkottai history remained the simply regal to keep up its freedom in the entire of Tamil Nadu. The state ultimately agreed to the free Dominion of India in August 1947 and converged with Madras state in the next year.

This rich history of Pudukkottai has now made the city one of the famous tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu.

Introducing Kids to Stamps of India Can Innovate Our Education System

Imagination is something that you should always let loose. The day we stop becoming imaginative, we would be soon nearing the end. The best of inventions in the world are outcomes of an imaginative mind. The education system in our country is very restrictive in terms of letting students become as free as possible. Children start mugging up concepts from a very young age. Recently I came across a friend telling me about how children from kindergarten are being asked to learn complex subjects. What is the end motive? Do you want to take away the innocence of childhood from children so early? At an age when children should be ideally running around playing a few games, they are asked to mug up something. This will definitely affect the overall development of kids. Academics should not be the only focus in schools. Sports and other extracurricular activities should be given equal importance. This will make students ready for all kinds of challenges that they would face when they grow up. They could be introduced to different kinds of hobbies that will not only keep them occupied and happy, but also will increase their general knowledge. Schools in India should introduce children to Stamps of India so that they are learning facts about our country in an interesting way.

The main problem with our education system is that it is obsolete and boring. Teachers only stick to textbooks and do not go for innovative teaching aids. Old Indian Stamps can prove to be a fun way to learn about our country. There are so many interesting subjects that are depicted on Rare Indian stamps. Everything from important personalities to inventions, traditions, cultures, geography, historical events, wildlife etc! The list is endless really. Now imagine if kids are asked to start collecting Stamps of India and asked to read up on the subjects that have been featured on them. This would definitely have a better impact than learning about these subjects from textbooks. I have had personal experiences when I have fallen asleep while reading some of these textbooks. Basically there is no kind of motivation to read these textbooks. When learning is clubbed with a fun activity then it definitely becomes even more effective.

Image Courtesy: mintageworld.com

Till the 2nd grade, I was this dull student who had no interest in studying. I was always looking out of the window and waiting for the recess bell to ring. The recess was the only exciting time for me in school, when I got a chance to interact with my friends and play a few interesting games. The summer vacations arrived and thankfully I was introduced the hobby of collecting Indian Stamps for the very first time. My uncle from Jamshedpur came over with his collection of Rare Indian Stamps. The moment I looked at those Rare Stamps of India, I fell in love with them. I kept pestering my uncle with various kinds of questions. He told me how he had started building his collection of Stamps in India from the last 15 years. Honestly, I was inspired by my uncle to start collecting Old Indian Stamps. Suddenly, I started losing interesting in playing outside and spent several hours only talking to my uncle about his collection of stamps. 

If it wasn't for him, i wouldn't have owned a collection of such amazing rare stamps of India. He was 70 years old back them and left me with his bounty before he left. Those were the first ever Indian Stamps that I collected in life. Even today, these stamps are really close to my heart. I can't imagine misplacing them somewhere and always make it appoint to keep them safely inside a drawer. Even today, the first thing that I show my fellow collector friends is that special collection of stamps that I borrowed from my uncle. I am greatly thankful to him for introducing me to this amazing hobby.

From the day I graduated to 3rd grade, i was a changed boy. I started concentrating on different subjects and topics. I looked at ways in which I could relate what I was learning at school with the collection of Indian Stamps that I had with me. The result was astonishing really. I suddenly started scoring more marks in exams. I was not bored of reading and gaining knowledge. Clearing exams and scoring marks was not my only intention. I wanted to read just to know more about my country. Stamps of India were a medium through which I was doing it. When my parents observed that I started reading, they also started supporting me to pursue my hobby. Ever since then, there was no looking back. I kept collecting Indian stamps as and when I got some free time. When I look back at my early days, I feel lucky that i found my passion in stamp collecting.