What is the study of stamps called?

The study of stamps is called philately. This discipline involves the collection, appreciation, and research of postage stamps, which includes understanding their history, design, production, and the various factors that influence their value. Philatelists often seek to collect stamps from different countries, time periods, and themes, making this field rich with historical context and cultural significance.

In contrast, while numismatics refers to the study and collection of coins and currency, cartophily focuses on the collection of trading cards or postcards. Postology, which might seem related, does not specifically refer to stamps but rather to the broader study of postal systems and operations. Thus, the correct term for the study of stamps is philately, signifying its specialized nature within the larger world of collecting and historical study.