Where to Find Old Stamps for Your Stamp Collection

One of the best parts of stamp collecting, or any collecting, is the treasure hunt aspect. You get to play Indiana Jones in your own little way. The remote but real possibility of finding a rare and valuable treasure just adds to the excitement.

Dealers are always a good source for old stamps, especially if you are looking for something in particular. If you are going this route then the stamp show is your best bet. Here you will find many dealers in one place which will improve your odds of not only finding what you want but getting a good deal in the process. These also have the benefit of also including a display competition for collectors. This will give you the opportunity to see many examples of stamps you may never see on your own.

Another great way to find old stamps for your collection is searching lots. A lot can be an old collection or a shoebox full of stamps or anything similar. These can be purchased from dealers or other collectors. Many clubs will buy these and place them out for their members to search.

If you are feeling more adventurous garage sales, flea markets and even old attics can be fun searches. Don’t just limit yourself to looking for stamps here though. Look for old letters or postcards or anything else that may have been sent in the mail. Since these may not have been checked for their stamps you could find that rare treasure you’ve been looking for. Remember, the most valuable stamp in the world was once just a letter to someone’s sweetheart.

Good luck and happy hunting!

How to Clean an Old Coin

You can find a number of ways that you can clean an old coin. Below will be some methods that you can use to clean some old coins that you have laying around or that you have found. Before cleaning a old coin that may be valuable you will want to contact a coin dealer as cleaning will cut the value of the coin sometimes by half.

The First Method for Cleaning an Old Coin is Vinegar

The first method is a pretty common method to use for cleaning some old coins. This method can be done with more than one coin at once and will allow multiple coins to be done by simply filling a soda bottle or apple juice container with the coins such as pennies that you want to clean up. Once you have placed all the pennies into the jug pour pure white vinegar past the mark where the pennies are and then shake the container and allow the pennies to sit over night or for at least 24 hours. Then pour the vinegar out and wipe the coins off with a towel that is not used for bathing or showering.

The Second Way To Clean An Old Coin Is Baking Soda

Here is another way to clean old coins, however this method should only be used when you are cleaning a small amount of coins as the method will take some time to clean a bunch of pennies at one time. You will need to have a box of baking soda and you will need to have the pennies placed into a cup allowing the pennies to be wet to allow the baking soda to stick to the pennies. Once the baking soda has sat on the pennies for a few minutes use a tooth brush to scrub the baking soda off from the penny. Once the baking soda has been scrubbed off rinse the coin and then allow the coin to dry. The coin should be clean.

The Third Way To Clean An Old Coin Is Ammonia

I wouldn’t recommend using this method if you have a problem with breathing problems such as asthma or have an intolerance to certain smells. You will need to have purchased some ammonia cleaning solution. Place a small amount of cleaning solution in a small jar and place the coins in the jar and allow to soak. Once the coins have soaked for several hours remove them from the cleaning solution and wipe down with a soft cloth. You may still need to use the baking soda method.

The Fourth Way To Clean An Old Coin Is Jewelry Cleaner

Another method that can be used is to purchase a jar of jewelry cleaner from your local jewelry store. Once you have purchased the jewelry cleaner such as Never Dull. Use the cotton and tear off a small portion of it and use it to wipe off the pennies or coins that need to be polished. Once you have used the padding and wiped the coins off you will need to use a soft cloth to wipe the pennies and coins off once you have done the polishing. You will need to make sure that you have wiped all the cleaner off.

These are just some ways that you can clean old coins and pennies. Most of the methods mentioned can be used to clean jewelry as well. These methods are fairly cheap and easy to do. The methods will not take a large amount of time to complete as well.

How to Go Fly Fishing

So you’re thinking about taking a nice relaxing trip, maybe even do a little fly fishing and enjoy the outdoors. You might be wondering “How do you fly fish? Is it hard to learn?” The truth is fly fishing is great way to spend time outdoors and you can do it almost anywhere from oceans to creeks and lakes and most national parks and big campground offer classes to help you get started. If you already have your rod and reel and you have taken a few practice casts in your backyard with no one looking here are a few techniques you will want to try.

How to go fly fishing using Deep Swing and Retrieve

Stand up stream and cast your line downstream and let the line out until it reaches the desired depth, wait, then reel your fly in at different speeds until it attracts a fish. Deep swing and retrieve works the best when you are fishing in deep water.

How to go fly fishing using Weighted Nymphs

Cast your line upstream from where the fish are swimming and let the nymph drift down current naturally. Before trying this technique make sure your line in buoyant enough to keep the fly from snagging on the bottom.

How to go fly fishing using Dry Fly Swung

The dry fly swung techniques works well if you use a fly that’s light enough to just skim the surface. Start by casting slightly down stream, let your line out and let the current swing the fly until it’s downstream. Continue repeating the steps and walking down stream between each cast to make sure you have covered all the areas where fish maybe hiding.
The best way to learn how to go fly fishing is to head out and ask other fisherman what they are using, where they are casting, and of course why? You will find other are more than happy to share their knowledge and passion about fly fishing.