Consider also using the Stamp Collecting
merit badge class preparation page for clarification and expections when participating in a Scoutmaster Bucky merit badge opportunity (online or in-person).
Requirement 1a: Discuss how you can better understand people, places, institutions, history, and geography as a result of collecting stamps.
Requirement 1b: 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.
Requirement 2: Define topical stamp collecting. Name and describe three other types of stamp collections.
Requirement 3: Show at least ONE example of each of the following:
Requirement 3a: Perforated and imperforate stamps
Requirement 3b: Mint and used stamps
Requirement 3c: Sheet-booklet and coil stamps
Requirement 3d: Numbers on plate block, booklet, coil, or marginal markings
Requirement 3e: Overprint and surcharge
Requirement 3f: Metered mail
Requirement 3g: Definitive, commemorative, semipostal, and airmail stamps
Requirement 3h: Cancellation and postmark
Requirement 3i: First day cover
Requirement 3j: Postal stationery (aerogramme, stamped envelope, and postal card)
Requirement 4: Do the following:
Requirement 4a: Demonstrate the use of ONE standard catalog for several different stamp issues. Explain why catalog value can vary from the corresponding purchase price.
Requirement 4b: 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.
Requirement 5: Demonstrate the use of at least THREE of the following stamp collector's tool:
Requirement 5a: Stamp tongs
Requirement 5b: Water and Tray
Requirement 5c: Magnifiers
Requirement 5d: Hinges and stamp mounts
Requirement 5e: Perforation gauge
Requirement 5f: Glassine envelopes and cover sleeves
Requirement 5g: Watermark fluid
Requirement 6: Do the following:
Requirement 6a: Show a stamp album and how to mount stamps with or without hinges. Show at least ONE page that displays several stamps.
Requirement 6b: Discuss at least THREE ways you can help to preserve stamps, covers, and albums in first-class condition.
Requirement 7: Do at least TWO of the following:
Requirement 7a: Design a stamp, cancellation, or cachet.
Requirement 7b: Visit a post office, stamp club, or stamp show with an experienced collector. Explain what you saw and learned.
Requirement 7c: Write a review of an interesting article from a stamp newspaper, magazine, book or Web site (with your parent's permission).
Requirement 7d: Research and report on a famous stamp-related personality or the history behind a particular stamp.
Requirement 7e: Describe the steps taken to produce a stamp. include the methods of printing, types of paper, perforation styles, and how they are gummed.
Requirement 7f: 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.
Requirement 8: Mount and show, in a purchased or homemade album, ONE of the following:
Requirement 8a: A collection of 250 or more different stamps from at least 15 countries.
Requirement 8b: A collection of a stamp from each of 50 different countries, mounted on maps to show the location of each.
Requirement 8c: A collection of 100 or more different stamps from either one country or a group of closely related countries.
Requirement 8d: 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.
Requirement 8e: 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.