Coasters are made from high density paperboard (cardboard) or several layers of tissue paper. Beer mats are identified by their water absorbency and printability and standard coasters are usually square or round, but other shapes do exist.
In 1880, the first beer mats, made of thick paper pulp, were introduced by a German printing company as use to cover an open brew to ward off insects. They have now become one of the best ways you can protect your furniture and bar counter from stains caused by liquid that accumulates on the bottom of a glass.
Beer mats are usually adorned with customized images - advertising a brand of beer, although they can also be used for promotional purposes to advertise anything from a drinking establishment, sports franchise, businesses or other special events.
Coasters are collected in a variety of ways. You can collect them according to theme, brewery, state, region, country, or simply collect everything.
The practice of collecting coasters or beer mats is known as tegestology and coaster or beer mat collectors are known as tegestologists.
Mirel Sinanaj [albcoins] has taken on the responsibility as coordinator of our new Beer Coasters / Beer Mats category.
So next time you are at the pub make sure to keep the beer coaster as a souvenir to add to your new collection or to use it to exchange for another collectible item.
Let’s make a special toast to Colnect's newly baptized Beer Coasters / Beer Mats category: “Cheers . . .!!!”
Happy collecting :)
