Stamp Collecting

Stamp Collecting merit badge requirements

1. Do the following:

   a. Discuss how you can better understand people, places, institutions, history, and geography as a result of collecting stamps.

   b. Briefly describe some aspects of the history, growth, and development of the United States postal system. Tell how it is different from postal systems in other countries.

2. Define topical stamp collecting. Name and describe three other types of stamp collections.
3. Show at least ONE example of each of the following:

   a. Perforated and imperforate stamps

   b. Mint and used stamps

   c. Sheet, booklet, and coil stamps

   d. Numbers on plate block, booklet, or coil, or marginal markings

   e. Overprint and surcharge

   f. Metered mail

   g. Definitive, commemorative, semipostal, and airmail stamps

   h. Cancellation and postmark

   i. First day cover

   j. Postal stationery (aerogramme, stamped envelope, and postal card)

4. Do the following:

   a. Demonstrate the use of ONE standard catalog for several different stamp issues. Explain why catalog value can vary from the corresponding purchase price.

   b. Explain the meaning of the term condition as used to describe a stamp. Show examples that illustrate the different factors that affect a stamp's value.

5. Demonstrate the use of at least THREE of the following stamp collector's tools:

   a. Stamp tongs

   b. Water and tray

   c. Magnifiers

   d. Hinges and stamp mounts

   e. Perforation gauge

   f. Glassine envelopes and cover sleeves

   g. Watermark fluid

6. Do the following:

   a. Show a stamp album and how to mount stamps with or without hinges. Show at least ONE page that displays several stamps.

   b. Discuss at least THREE ways you can help to preserve stamps, covers, and albums in first-class condition.

7. Do at least TWO of the following:

   a. Design a stamp, cancellation, or cachet.

   b. Visit a post office, stamp club, or stamp show with an experienced collector. Explain what you saw and learned.

   c. Write a review of an interesting article from a stamp newspaper, magazine, book, or Web site (with your parent's permission).

   d. Research and report on a famous stamp-related personality or the history behind a particular stamp.

   e. Describe the steps taken to produce a stamp. Include the methods of printing, types of paper, perforation styles, and how they are gummed.

   f. Prepare a two- to three-page display involving stamps. Using ingenuity, as well as clippings, drawings, etc., tell a story about the stamps and how they relate to history, geography, or a favorite topic of yours.

8. Mount and show, in a purchased or homemade album, ONE of the following:

   a. A collection of 250 or more different stamps from at least 15 countries.

   b. A collection of a stamp from each of 50 different countries, mounted on maps to show the location of each.

   c. A collection of 100 or more different stamps from either one country or a group of closely related countries.

   d. A collection of 75 or more different stamps on a single topic. (Some interesting topics are Scouting, birds, insects, the Olympics, sports, flowers, animals, ships, holidays, trains, famous people, space, and medicine). Stamps may be from different countries.

   e. A collection of postal items discovered in your mail by monitoring it over a period of 30 days. Include at least five different types listed in requirement 3.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: Boy Scout Requirements, 2014 Edition (BSA Supply No. 33216 - SKU# 619576)

A FREE workbook for Stamp Collecting is available here! with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need! Or click here to print just the Stamp Collecting requirements.

meritbadge.org has PDF and DOC versions of Boy Scout merit badge workbooks, Webelos workbooks, and Cub Scout workbooks.

• Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." Pamphlets (books) are at local Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff.org.
• "Get a signed Merit Badge application from your Scoutmaster." An online, printable Word doc file version is available.

• Boy Scout Merit Badges: Art - Chess - Coin Collecting - Collections - Digital Technology - Dog Care - Fishing - Gardening - Genealogy - Golf - Horsemanship - Pets - Photography - Radio - Railroading - Reading - Stamp Collecting
  
• Venturing: Arts and Hobbies Bronze Award; Ranger Award electives: Cave Exploration - Cycling - Equestrian - Fishing
• Webelos Activity Badges: Artist - Traveler
• Cub Scout Belt Loops & Pins: Art - Chess - Collecting - Computers

• An Introduction to Merit Badges – how to get started, who chooses the counselor, etc.
• Merit Badge Worksheets & Requirements – with the revision dates, diagrams, charts, checklists, logs, and links you need.
• Merit Badge Application – offers online resources to let you print "Blue Cards," etc.
• Merit Badge FAQ – answers dozens of questions like: Who can be a counselor? Can requirements be added or removed?
• Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval – Certain requirements need prior approval. Most do not. Here is the list.
• Also see: List of how many boys have earned each Merit Badge – Merit Badge policies – Merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank – Merit Badge Days
• Additionally: List of Merit Badges by Field of Study – Merit Badge Pamphlets & Libraries
• Merit Badge Counselors must complete Youth Protection Training, file an Adult Application (and Merit Badge Counselor Information Form); and be approved by the local council. (See the Guide for Merit Badge Counselors for additional details.)