philately

The collection and study of postage stamps. It is thought to have originated as a hobby in France about 1864.

Many countries earn extra revenue and cater to the philatelist by issuing sets of stamps to commemorate special events and anniversaries. There are many specialized fields of collection, from particular countries to specimens that have some defect (for example, contemporary issues that accidentally remain unperforated). The world's two largest collections of stamps are held in the British Museum, London, and in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.