Illustrated Encyclopedia of Stamps & Coins

This book offers full advice on getting the most out of these popular pastimes, from making your first acquisitions to organizing and caring for your collection. It features over 6000 stunning images let the reader identify purchases, and learn how to boost collections, whether organizing by country, pictorial theme or purpose-of-issue. It includes expert commentary from a world-renowned collector examines the production of stamps and coins, plus size, shape, design, denomination, watermarks and metals. Collecting stamps and coins - known to the world as philately and numismatics - are among the most enduring hobbies of all time, and this comprehensive guide helps explain why. It is both a stunning visual compendium that illustrates how these collectables have evolved, country-by-country, from their origins to the present day, as well as a practical guide to identification, categorization, care and assessing value. It contains expert practical advice on identifying key features, and determining condition and value, plus guidelines on competitive exhibiting or on-line trading. This is an essential companion for every collector and enthusiast.