Stamp Collecting Merit Badge

Eight requirements, with the ten examples of requirement 3 drawn as steps, requirement 5 (at least three of seven tools) and requirement 7 (two of six activities) drawn as multiple-choice questions, and requirement 8 (one of five collections) drawn as a question. The 30-day mail collection in 8(e) carries a deadline notice and needs the types listed in requirement 3.

9 steps (34 parts inside them). 18 parts depend on questions you have not answered yet. · Version 1, published 8 October 2026 · About Stamp Collecting Merit Badge

No questions answered

This is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering the 3 questions at the address above takes out the parts that are not for you.

Which of this applies to you

You have not answered anything yet, so this is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering 3 short questions will take out the parts that are not for you.

Answer the questions

The steps

Stage 1 of 9

1 step

1. What stamps teach, and the U.S. postal system Requirement

Two parts.
2 parts
- 1(a). What collecting stamps helps you understand
- 1(b). The history of the U.S. postal system

Stage 2 of 9

1 step

2. Topical collecting, and three other types of collection Requirement

Define topical stamp collecting. Name and describe three other types of stamp collections.

Stage 3 of 9

1 step

3. Show an example of each of ten kinds Requirement

At least ONE example of each of (a) to (j).
10 parts

Stage 4 of 9

1 step

4. Catalogs, condition and value Requirement

Two parts.
2 parts
- 4(a). Use one standard catalog
- 4(b). What condition means, with examples Often forgotten

Stage 5 of 9

1 step

5. Collector's tools. Demonstrate at least THREE Requirement

The badge states the choice: at least three of seven tools.
7 parts
- 5(a). Stamp tongs Optional May not apply
- 5(b). Water and tray Optional May not apply
- 5(c). Magnifiers Optional May not apply
- 5(d). Hinges and stamp mounts Optional May not apply
- 5(e). Perforation gauge Optional May not apply
- 5(f). Glassine envelopes and cover sleeves Optional May not apply
- 5(g). Watermark fluid Optional May not apply

Stage 6 of 9

1 step

6. The album, and keeping stamps in condition Requirement

Two parts.
2 parts
- 6(a). Show an album and how to mount stamps
- 6(b). Three ways to preserve stamps, covers and albums

Stage 7 of 9

1 step

7. Stamp activities. Do TWO Requirement

The badge states the choice: two of six things to design, visit, review, research, describe or display.
6 parts
- 7(a). Design a stamp, cancellation or cachet Optional May not apply
- 7(b). Visit a post office, stamp club or stamp show Optional May not apply
- 7(c). Write a review of a stamp article Optional May not apply Often forgotten
- 7(d). Research and report on a stamp personality or a stamp's history Optional May not apply
- 7(e). Describe the steps taken to produce a stamp Optional May not apply
- 7(f). A two- to three-page display involving stamps Optional May not apply

Stage 8 of 9

1 step

8. Mount and show a collection in an album. Do ONE Requirement

In a purchased or homemade album. The badge states the choice: one of five collections.
5 parts
- 8(a). 250 or more different stamps from at least 15 countries Optional May not apply
- 8(b). A stamp from each of 50 countries, mounted on maps Optional May not apply
- 8(c). 100 or more different stamps from one country or related group Optional May not apply
- 8(d). 75 or more different stamps on a single topic Optional May not apply
- 8(e). Postal items from your own mail, over 30 days Optional May not apply Often forgotten Usually comes after 3. Show an example of each of ten kinds. Thirty days of watching your mail. It cannot be hurried, so start as soon as you choose this route, and keep what arrives. The collection must include at least five different types listed in requirement 3.

Stage 9 of 9

1 step

Counselor signs it off Milestone

The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.

Usually comes after 1. What stamps teach, and the U.S. postal system, 2. Topical collecting, and three other types of collection and 6 others.

Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.

This plan is a planning aid: the current Boy Scouts of America publication is always the authority, and the sources used here are listed in full. Each step names its own.