Topical Stamp Collecting
Course Outline

Module 1 - Introduction

1. What is topical collecting
2. Topical vs. Thematic
3. Selecting a topic

Module 2 - Beginning your collection

1. Acquiring your collection's first stamps
2. Mint (unused) or used ... and other decisions
3. Completeness

Module 3 - Expanding Horizons

1. Postage stamps
2. Surcharges, overprints, precancels, perfins, & watermarks
3. Stamp Booklets
4. Fakes & forgeries

Module 4 - {More} Expanding Horizons

1. Covers
2. Postal stationery
3. Postal markings
4. Meters

Module 5 - What to do with the material

1. Classification
2. Album pages
3. Mounting your stamps
4. Presentation
5. The Write-Up

Module 6 - Exhibiting

1. Presentation
2. Title and title page
3. Plan page
4. Philatelic elements
5. Exhibit size

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(Course Outline)