Rare stamps are among the most portable of tangible investments, and are easy to store. Some collectors, observing the generally rising prices of rare stamps, have taken to philatelic investment. The stamps produced by these countries far exceed the postal needs of the countries.

 

 Stamp collectors are an important source of revenue for some small countries who create limited runs of elaborate stamps designed mainly to be bought by stamp collectors. Many casual collectors enjoy accumulating stamps without worrying about the tiny details, but the creation of a large or comprehensive collection generally requires some philatelic knowledge. A philatelist often does, but need not, collect the objects of study, nor is it necessary to closely study what one collects. Collecting is not the same as philately, which is the study of stamps.