Philately
Introduction


[thumb\|The [Penny Red](/wiki/Penny_Red "Penny Red") was used in the UK for many years (1841–1879\), and comes in hundreds of variations which are subject to detailed study by philatelists.](/wiki/File:Stamp_UK_Penny_Red_pl148.jpg "Stamp UK Penny Red pl148.jpg")
[thumb\|[Zeppelin mail](/wiki/Zeppelin_mail "Zeppelin mail") from [Gibraltar](/wiki/Gibraltar "Gibraltar") to [Rio de Janeiro](/wiki/Rio_de_Janeiro "Rio de Janeiro"), Brazil via Berlin on the Christmas flight (12th South American flight) of 1934](/wiki/File:Zeppelin_mail-1934_Xmas_flight_Gibraltar-Brazil.jpg "Zeppelin mail-1934 Xmas flight Gibraltar-Brazil.jpg")

**Philately** (; ) is the study of [postage stamps](/wiki/Postage_stamp "Postage stamp") and [postal history](/wiki/Postal_history "Postal history"). It also refers to the collection and appreciation of stamps and other philatelic products. While closely associated with [stamp collecting](/wiki/Stamp_collecting "Stamp collecting") and the study of postage, it is possible to be a philatelist without owning any stamps.Carlton, R. Scott. *The International Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Philately*, Iola WI: Krause Publications, 1997, p. 196\. . For instance, the stamps being studied may be very rare or reside only in museums.


What are the consequences of not appreciating philatelic products?