What kinds of stamps are there?
There are several different types of stamps—for example, commemorative, definitive (sometimes called "regular" stamps), and special stamps. There are also several different formats for stamps, such as sheets, booklets, and coils. Stamps may be the conventional adhesive type ("lick-and-stick") or self-adhesive ("no-lick, peel-and-stick").
Definitive stamps are the most common. Generally small in size, they are printed in huge quantities (the same stamp is printed often in the billions), and often more than once. They often feature the head of an important person (such as a dead President) or some other symbol that is identified with the issuing country, like its coat of arms.
Commemorative stamps, are generally larger and more colorful than definitives, are printed in smaller quantities and are typically printed only once. They honor people, events, or subjects of importance to the issuing country's life and culture.
Special stamps—Christmas and Love, Holiday stamps (such as Christmas, New Years, Hanukkah, etc.), international rate, Priority Mail, Express Mail—usually are on sale for only a limited period of time.
Back of the Book stamps - airmail or air post stamps, semi-postal or charity stamps, postage dues, parcel post, registered mail stamps, revenue stamps and others. Called Back of the Book stamps or BOB stamps due to their typical location in most stamp albums.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Collecting First Day Covers
If you are interested in the historical, geographical and cultural facts surrounding the issuance of a particular stamp, then collecting first day covers may be just your thing.
A first day cover consists of an envelope on which a newly issued stamp has been affixed, and then postmarked on the date that the stamp was first available for use in the mails. Often there is an offically-designated location, and a cancellation from that location, on the first day of issue, is desirable.
There are three basic elements of a first day cover:
1. The stamp
2. The postmark
3. The cachet (optional but desirable, a cachet is a graphic design on the envelope itself that relates to the stamp in some way). The cachet often incorporates some information about the subject of the stamp.
Although some first day covers are quite scarce and demand quite high prices, there are thousands of other first day covers that are readily available and sell for $1.00 or less.
If you are interested in the historical, geographical and cultural facts surrounding the issuance of a particular stamp, then collecting first day covers may be just your thing.
A first day cover consists of an envelope on which a newly issued stamp has been affixed, and then postmarked on the date that the stamp was first available for use in the mails. Often there is an offically-designated location, and a cancellation from that location, on the first day of issue, is desirable.
There are three basic elements of a first day cover:
1. The stamp
2. The postmark
3. The cachet (optional but desirable, a cachet is a graphic design on the envelope itself that relates to the stamp in some way). The cachet often incorporates some information about the subject of the stamp.
Although some first day covers are quite scarce and demand quite high prices, there are thousands of other first day covers that are readily available and sell for $1.00 or less.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Volunteers Can Raise Funds For Charity Through Stamps
Churches and other groups who would like to raise money for a charitable cause can save the stamps they get on their mail and then turn them into money.
These types of programs "recycle" United States and foreign stamps and postcards and turn them into funds used for charity. Obviously, the more people that save their stamps, the more stamps will be accumulated and the more money will be raised. When you put all those stamps together, it adds up.
Many stamp dealers - including us (dmhcollectibles) and The Stamp People would be happy to buy the stamps you save up. If you represent a charitable group that's interested in a program like this, just contact dmhcollectibles or The Stamp People for easy instructions on how it's done. It's simple, and anyone - young or old - can do it.
Stamps that can be saved include canceled commemorative stamps, definitive (regular) stamps, airmail, express, foreign, duck, state conservation, high denomination definitives, picture postcards, unused stamps (regardless of age) and stamp collections (complete or incomplete). The stamps can be on paper kiloware or off paper, already soaked from their envelopes.
Raise some money for a good cause out of something you've just been throwing away!
Churches and other groups who would like to raise money for a charitable cause can save the stamps they get on their mail and then turn them into money.
These types of programs "recycle" United States and foreign stamps and postcards and turn them into funds used for charity. Obviously, the more people that save their stamps, the more stamps will be accumulated and the more money will be raised. When you put all those stamps together, it adds up.
Many stamp dealers - including us (dmhcollectibles) and The Stamp People would be happy to buy the stamps you save up. If you represent a charitable group that's interested in a program like this, just contact dmhcollectibles or The Stamp People for easy instructions on how it's done. It's simple, and anyone - young or old - can do it.
Stamps that can be saved include canceled commemorative stamps, definitive (regular) stamps, airmail, express, foreign, duck, state conservation, high denomination definitives, picture postcards, unused stamps (regardless of age) and stamp collections (complete or incomplete). The stamps can be on paper kiloware or off paper, already soaked from their envelopes.
Raise some money for a good cause out of something you've just been throwing away!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Difference Between CTO (canceled to order) Stamps & Used Stamps
In general, stamps that have cancellations or postmarks, but still have their original gum on the back side, are canceled to order stamps - often referred to as CTO stamps. They are usually worth 10-30% of the value of the same stamp that has been postally used. They tend to have the cancellation in the corner (instead of in the center of the stamp) as several stamps are often cancelled at the same time, especially if they're in a block of 4 stamps. Every block of 4 would typically receive a cancel at the place in the center where the four stamps intersect. The cancellation thus falls evenly on all four stamps.
CTO stamps are sold by the postal administration of a country for much less than the face value of the stamp. Generally they are remainders or are stamps that are being replaced by newly issues. Since the post offices will not be able to use up all their supplies of these supplanted stamps, they are sold to stamp dealers at a low price to recoup at least some money. This gives the stamp dealers a very inexpensive source of stamps that they can sell to stamp collectors at reduced cost. Many times they are sold to new stamp collectors as an inexpensive way for them to get into the stamp collecting world.
Even though their value is somewhat less than used stamps, some collectors prefer the nice corner cancel that you usually get with CTO stamps. Other stamp collectors prefer stamps that have been postally used. It's an individual choice, dictated by your personal preference and the depth of your pocket.
One last comment on CTO stamps: many collectors do not like CTO stamps. Why? Almost all modern stamps, except the definitives and some special issues, are collected because of the pictures on them. So why do these stamp collectors prefer postally smudged copies and not the neat CTO? And as for the modern "killer" cancellations used by the United States and many other countries - they can completely obliterate the face of the stamp. Are they really better then CTO?
It all depends on what turns you on about the stamps that you collect.
In general, stamps that have cancellations or postmarks, but still have their original gum on the back side, are canceled to order stamps - often referred to as CTO stamps. They are usually worth 10-30% of the value of the same stamp that has been postally used. They tend to have the cancellation in the corner (instead of in the center of the stamp) as several stamps are often cancelled at the same time, especially if they're in a block of 4 stamps. Every block of 4 would typically receive a cancel at the place in the center where the four stamps intersect. The cancellation thus falls evenly on all four stamps.
CTO stamps are sold by the postal administration of a country for much less than the face value of the stamp. Generally they are remainders or are stamps that are being replaced by newly issues. Since the post offices will not be able to use up all their supplies of these supplanted stamps, they are sold to stamp dealers at a low price to recoup at least some money. This gives the stamp dealers a very inexpensive source of stamps that they can sell to stamp collectors at reduced cost. Many times they are sold to new stamp collectors as an inexpensive way for them to get into the stamp collecting world.
Even though their value is somewhat less than used stamps, some collectors prefer the nice corner cancel that you usually get with CTO stamps. Other stamp collectors prefer stamps that have been postally used. It's an individual choice, dictated by your personal preference and the depth of your pocket.
One last comment on CTO stamps: many collectors do not like CTO stamps. Why? Almost all modern stamps, except the definitives and some special issues, are collected because of the pictures on them. So why do these stamp collectors prefer postally smudged copies and not the neat CTO? And as for the modern "killer" cancellations used by the United States and many other countries - they can completely obliterate the face of the stamp. Are they really better then CTO?
It all depends on what turns you on about the stamps that you collect.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Becoming a Knowledgable Stamp Collector
To become knowledgable about stamp collecting, and even more, to become an expert on stamps, you must, of course, collect them, study them constantly, read any obtainable information and - last but not least - love them. And above all, enjoy the journey your stamps will take you on. It may take years of hard work, patience and experience, but after doing your research you can consider yourself a knowledgable stamp collector.
One way to become knowledgable, and probably a prerequisite to becoming an expert, would be serious exposure to the material you are collecting. Stamp shows, exhibits and exhibitions are a fine way to gain this exposure. While you're there, sit down with one or more stamp dealers who specialize in whatever area(s) you're interested in. Pick a time when they're not busy. Then pick their brains. Ask questions. Look at some of their stamps and covers. Find out what research materials and catalogs they use and recommend. Part of the job of a stamp dealer is to nurture and encourage beginning stamp collectors. Find one who understands that and patronize him or her. A stamp dealer like that will be your most valuable resource, and is worth his or her weight in gold.
After learning the basics from a book like "Foundations of Philately," specialize in an area that particularly interests you, read all the available literature, build a specialized collection, consider exhibiting, carry out a research project and then write some articles. When others start consistently turning to you for advice or showing or offering their best items in your area first, you are a stamp expert.
To become knowledgable about stamp collecting, and even more, to become an expert on stamps, you must, of course, collect them, study them constantly, read any obtainable information and - last but not least - love them. And above all, enjoy the journey your stamps will take you on. It may take years of hard work, patience and experience, but after doing your research you can consider yourself a knowledgable stamp collector.
One way to become knowledgable, and probably a prerequisite to becoming an expert, would be serious exposure to the material you are collecting. Stamp shows, exhibits and exhibitions are a fine way to gain this exposure. While you're there, sit down with one or more stamp dealers who specialize in whatever area(s) you're interested in. Pick a time when they're not busy. Then pick their brains. Ask questions. Look at some of their stamps and covers. Find out what research materials and catalogs they use and recommend. Part of the job of a stamp dealer is to nurture and encourage beginning stamp collectors. Find one who understands that and patronize him or her. A stamp dealer like that will be your most valuable resource, and is worth his or her weight in gold.
After learning the basics from a book like "Foundations of Philately," specialize in an area that particularly interests you, read all the available literature, build a specialized collection, consider exhibiting, carry out a research project and then write some articles. When others start consistently turning to you for advice or showing or offering their best items in your area first, you are a stamp expert.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Postmarks and Stamp Values
The type of postmark that appears on a used stamp often affects its value to stamp collectors. In some cases the postmark is much more valuable than the stamp itself.
Two main factors dictate how the cancellation on a stamp will affect its value:
1. the overall appearance of the stamp and its postmark
2. the scarcity of the postmark
There are some other factors as well, and we'll talk about them in just a bit.
Postmark Appearance:
A nicely struck, well-centered, clearly legible circular datestamp cancel will appeal to the eyes of many collectorsl stamps with these postmarks will often have a higher value than if they'd been canceled in a less-appealing way.
But keep in mind that while some stamp collectors like to see postmarks that are "socked on the nose," other collectors prefer a cancellation that just barely touches the corner of a stamp.
As a general rule (although there are exceptions due to scarcity) a smudgy, blotchy, hard to read or heavy, overly intrusive postmark will detract from the value of a stamp.
Postmark Scarcity:
Cancellations from so-called "dead post offices" that no longer exist, or from railway post offices that were rarely used and only for a very short period of time, will in general increase the value of even a very common stamp.
Other Factors That Affect Stamp Values:
Sometimes the specific date shown on a postmark is (to the collector) of critical importance: the date may be one a collector is specifically seeking, such as a birthday or another date of great personal significance. Or that date may be useful to the philatelist trying to determine which printing a stamp is from. In either case a postmark bearing that specific date will make the stamp more valuable, at least to that person.
Similarly, a stamp collector may be willing to pay more for a stamp that bears a postmark from a specific town. Again, perhaps because it was where he or she was born, or currently lives, etc.
The type of postmark that appears on a used stamp often affects its value to stamp collectors. In some cases the postmark is much more valuable than the stamp itself.
Two main factors dictate how the cancellation on a stamp will affect its value:
1. the overall appearance of the stamp and its postmark
2. the scarcity of the postmark
There are some other factors as well, and we'll talk about them in just a bit.
Postmark Appearance:
A nicely struck, well-centered, clearly legible circular datestamp cancel will appeal to the eyes of many collectorsl stamps with these postmarks will often have a higher value than if they'd been canceled in a less-appealing way.
But keep in mind that while some stamp collectors like to see postmarks that are "socked on the nose," other collectors prefer a cancellation that just barely touches the corner of a stamp.
As a general rule (although there are exceptions due to scarcity) a smudgy, blotchy, hard to read or heavy, overly intrusive postmark will detract from the value of a stamp.
Postmark Scarcity:
Cancellations from so-called "dead post offices" that no longer exist, or from railway post offices that were rarely used and only for a very short period of time, will in general increase the value of even a very common stamp.
Other Factors That Affect Stamp Values:
Sometimes the specific date shown on a postmark is (to the collector) of critical importance: the date may be one a collector is specifically seeking, such as a birthday or another date of great personal significance. Or that date may be useful to the philatelist trying to determine which printing a stamp is from. In either case a postmark bearing that specific date will make the stamp more valuable, at least to that person.
Similarly, a stamp collector may be willing to pay more for a stamp that bears a postmark from a specific town. Again, perhaps because it was where he or she was born, or currently lives, etc.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Stamp Collecting in a Troubled Economy
Most stamp collectors - like most people nowadays - probably have less money available to spend on their stamp collections than they would like. After all, collecting stamps is a hobby, and not essential.
But many (if not most) stamp collectors are absorbed, if not addicted to, their hobby. So what's a stamp collector to do now that the world economy is troubled and less money is available to spend?
Try buying a bulk wholesale stamp assortment or mixture. Something along the lines of a mystery box. They're inexpensive and fun to sort through - you never know what you'll find. And they'll let you start a new country collection for very little cash.
If you've reached the point in your stamp collection where every stamp you still need is very expensive, but you don't have the money, this can be a perfect solution to your dilemma. You'll be able to purchase a large number of stamps for very little money, and kick-start your collecting hobby by adding a new country or countries.
Perfect, even in today's economy.
Give it a shot, buy a mystery lot of stamps.
Most stamp collectors - like most people nowadays - probably have less money available to spend on their stamp collections than they would like. After all, collecting stamps is a hobby, and not essential.
But many (if not most) stamp collectors are absorbed, if not addicted to, their hobby. So what's a stamp collector to do now that the world economy is troubled and less money is available to spend?
Try buying a bulk wholesale stamp assortment or mixture. Something along the lines of a mystery box. They're inexpensive and fun to sort through - you never know what you'll find. And they'll let you start a new country collection for very little cash.
If you've reached the point in your stamp collection where every stamp you still need is very expensive, but you don't have the money, this can be a perfect solution to your dilemma. You'll be able to purchase a large number of stamps for very little money, and kick-start your collecting hobby by adding a new country or countries.
Perfect, even in today's economy.
Give it a shot, buy a mystery lot of stamps.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Stamp Collecting Abbreviations
The world of stamp collecting can sometimes be a bit overwhelming for new stamp collectors, and the hobby is full of somewhat cryptic abbreviations, which can make things even more confusing to a beginner. Here are some of those abbreviations decoded.
NHM Never Hinged Mint
MNH Mint Never Hinged
UM, U/M or U.M. Unmounted Mint
UHM Unhinged Mint
Mint NH Mint Never hinged
The above abbreviations all mean the same thing, and stamps described that way should be POF - Post Office Fresh.
Then there is ...
MH Mint Hinged
MM Mounted Mint
LMM Lightly Mounted Mint
MLH Mint Lightly Hinged
LHM Lightly Hinged Mint
Unused Mint no Gum, Issued Without Gum
MHH Mint Heavy Hinge
MNG Mint No Gum
OG Original Gum (original gum is present and not re-gummed)
Part OG Partial Original Gum
Used Postally Used
CTO Canceled To Order
Are you confused yet? Some stamp dealers also use these abbreviations:
* Mounted Mint or Mint Hinged
** Unmounted Mint or Mint Never Hinged
o Used
Here's some of these abbreviations used in context.
If you buy a stamp at your post office (PO) the stamp will be UM, U/M, U.M., MNH, NHM, UHM or Mint NH. If you put a hinge on it it will no longer be any of those, and it will no longer be POF. It will instead be MH, MLH, LHM, MHH (if you are heavy handed with your hinges), MM or LMM.
If you hand the stamp to your postal clerk and ask for it to be canceled even though it's not on an envelope and will not be mailed, it will become CTO (sometimes also called a "favor cancel.")
If you use your stamp to mail something and it arrives in the mail without being canceled (i.e., the cancellation machine missed it) it will be classed as MNG or Unused. If it arrives canceled then it will be Used.
The world of stamp collecting can sometimes be a bit overwhelming for new stamp collectors, and the hobby is full of somewhat cryptic abbreviations, which can make things even more confusing to a beginner. Here are some of those abbreviations decoded.
NHM Never Hinged Mint
MNH Mint Never Hinged
UM, U/M or U.M. Unmounted Mint
UHM Unhinged Mint
Mint NH Mint Never hinged
The above abbreviations all mean the same thing, and stamps described that way should be POF - Post Office Fresh.
Then there is ...
MH Mint Hinged
MM Mounted Mint
LMM Lightly Mounted Mint
MLH Mint Lightly Hinged
LHM Lightly Hinged Mint
Unused Mint no Gum, Issued Without Gum
MHH Mint Heavy Hinge
MNG Mint No Gum
OG Original Gum (original gum is present and not re-gummed)
Part OG Partial Original Gum
Used Postally Used
CTO Canceled To Order
Are you confused yet? Some stamp dealers also use these abbreviations:
* Mounted Mint or Mint Hinged
** Unmounted Mint or Mint Never Hinged
o Used
Here's some of these abbreviations used in context.
If you buy a stamp at your post office (PO) the stamp will be UM, U/M, U.M., MNH, NHM, UHM or Mint NH. If you put a hinge on it it will no longer be any of those, and it will no longer be POF. It will instead be MH, MLH, LHM, MHH (if you are heavy handed with your hinges), MM or LMM.
If you hand the stamp to your postal clerk and ask for it to be canceled even though it's not on an envelope and will not be mailed, it will become CTO (sometimes also called a "favor cancel.")
If you use your stamp to mail something and it arrives in the mail without being canceled (i.e., the cancellation machine missed it) it will be classed as MNG or Unused. If it arrives canceled then it will be Used.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Purchase Wholesale Stamps and Get Lots of Stamps, and Lots of Fun!
Every stamp collector needs to find various stamps in order to fill gaps in their stamp collection. Some of these gaps are rare stamps and will be very difficult, if not impossible, to either find or afford. But one of the cheapest ways to find stamps that are missing from your stamp collection is to buy an appropriate wholesale-priced, bulk mixture of stamps.
By "appropriate," we mean the wholesale stamps should be an assortment of stamps from the country or countries that you collect - or from the entire world if your collection is worldwide stamps.
Buying wholesale stamp assortments is also the least expensive way of beginning a new stamp collection. They are wonderful for new stamp collectors that are just beginning, but they're also great for a seasoned collector to begin a new collection of stamps from a country that he or she didn't collect before.
Many times the stamps you receive when you buy wholesale stamps will end up costing less than a penny each. And wholesale stamps can be purchased already soaked and off paper, or you can opt to buy kiloware stamps that are still on paper.
Buy your wholesale stamp mixtures from a reputable stamp dealer and you'll be pleased with the price you pay and the assortment of stamps that you receive.
Every stamp collector needs to find various stamps in order to fill gaps in their stamp collection. Some of these gaps are rare stamps and will be very difficult, if not impossible, to either find or afford. But one of the cheapest ways to find stamps that are missing from your stamp collection is to buy an appropriate wholesale-priced, bulk mixture of stamps.
By "appropriate," we mean the wholesale stamps should be an assortment of stamps from the country or countries that you collect - or from the entire world if your collection is worldwide stamps.
Buying wholesale stamp assortments is also the least expensive way of beginning a new stamp collection. They are wonderful for new stamp collectors that are just beginning, but they're also great for a seasoned collector to begin a new collection of stamps from a country that he or she didn't collect before.
Many times the stamps you receive when you buy wholesale stamps will end up costing less than a penny each. And wholesale stamps can be purchased already soaked and off paper, or you can opt to buy kiloware stamps that are still on paper.
Buy your wholesale stamp mixtures from a reputable stamp dealer and you'll be pleased with the price you pay and the assortment of stamps that you receive.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Hologram Stamps - A Bit About These Newfangled Stamps, And A Stamp Trivia Question
You may have seen hologram stamps that have been issued by various countries. They're shiny,
"new" or "modern looking" and exhibit a three dimensional appearance to varying degrees.
Typical reflective hologram stamps are produced by transferring the uneven patterns resulting from recording an image on a photoresist material onto a plastic film that is then applied to silver or gold foil reflective material. Light reflects off the background and through the plastic film, making the pattern on the film visible. Because the pattern is uneven, the objects depicted on the stamp will be seen in 3-D.
Stamp Trivia Question:
Which country, in which year, produced the world's first hologram stamp?
You may have seen hologram stamps that have been issued by various countries. They're shiny,
"new" or "modern looking" and exhibit a three dimensional appearance to varying degrees.
Typical reflective hologram stamps are produced by transferring the uneven patterns resulting from recording an image on a photoresist material onto a plastic film that is then applied to silver or gold foil reflective material. Light reflects off the background and through the plastic film, making the pattern on the film visible. Because the pattern is uneven, the objects depicted on the stamp will be seen in 3-D.
Stamp Trivia Question:
Which country, in which year, produced the world's first hologram stamp?
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Se-Tenant versus Tete-Beche Stamps - What They Are
The term "se-tenant" when used with stamps refers to an unsevered (still attached) pair, strip or block of stamps that differ in design, denomination or overprint.
The term "tete-beche" when used with stamps also describes a pair of stamps, but in this case, one of the stamps is upside down in relation to the other. For example, imagine two definitive stamps that picture the portrait of King George V. A tete-beche pair of these stamps would result in one upside-down head. If the two tete-beche stamps are separated (don't do this!) then the stamps' value as a tete-beche pair is of course destroyed.
The term "se-tenant" when used with stamps refers to an unsevered (still attached) pair, strip or block of stamps that differ in design, denomination or overprint.
The term "tete-beche" when used with stamps also describes a pair of stamps, but in this case, one of the stamps is upside down in relation to the other. For example, imagine two definitive stamps that picture the portrait of King George V. A tete-beche pair of these stamps would result in one upside-down head. If the two tete-beche stamps are separated (don't do this!) then the stamps' value as a tete-beche pair is of course destroyed.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Post Office Pen / Marker Cancellations - Revenue Protection or Vandalism?
All of us have probably received packages or envelopes with beautiful stamps used to pay the mailing cost. Any stamp collector feels a thrill when he or she receives a desirable stamp this way. In some cases, however, those lovely stamps have been defaced by postal employees using thick marker pens or ball point pens. Their value as used stamps might be fairly high but for these hand "cancellations."
This practice is becoming more and more common, and stamp collectors are frustrated. It amounts to the essential destruction of collectible philatelic items that would otherwise be prized by collectors.
Here's a synopsis of Australia Post's point of view on these obnoxious pen cancels:
"Stamps are cancelled with a pen or texta by the postal services officer or another authorised postal employee when there is no discernible cancel. This is to ensure that stamps are not soaked-off/cut/reglued and reused as valid postage.
Revenue protection such as this is essential for any business to operate efficiently and be able to deliver the high standards of performance that is expected of an organisation such as Australia Post. "
Other postal systems, including the USPS and Canada Post, use similar reasoning.
Although we understand the postal system's desire to protect their revenues by preventing the re-use of stamps, we deplore the practice of using thick markers to hand cancel stamps. Can't the postal authorities use machine cancellations? After all, the vast majority of mail throughout the world is processed by machine.
All of us have probably received packages or envelopes with beautiful stamps used to pay the mailing cost. Any stamp collector feels a thrill when he or she receives a desirable stamp this way. In some cases, however, those lovely stamps have been defaced by postal employees using thick marker pens or ball point pens. Their value as used stamps might be fairly high but for these hand "cancellations."
This practice is becoming more and more common, and stamp collectors are frustrated. It amounts to the essential destruction of collectible philatelic items that would otherwise be prized by collectors.
Here's a synopsis of Australia Post's point of view on these obnoxious pen cancels:
"Stamps are cancelled with a pen or texta by the postal services officer or another authorised postal employee when there is no discernible cancel. This is to ensure that stamps are not soaked-off/cut/reglued and reused as valid postage.
Revenue protection such as this is essential for any business to operate efficiently and be able to deliver the high standards of performance that is expected of an organisation such as Australia Post. "
Other postal systems, including the USPS and Canada Post, use similar reasoning.
Although we understand the postal system's desire to protect their revenues by preventing the re-use of stamps, we deplore the practice of using thick markers to hand cancel stamps. Can't the postal authorities use machine cancellations? After all, the vast majority of mail throughout the world is processed by machine.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Stamps with Faults - What to Do With Them? (continued)
Damaged stamps are accumulated by just about every stamp collector. They can be put to very good uses. And some people buy them intentionallly, with a specific purpose in mind.
1. Give them to a young child. They may spark his or her interest in stamp collecting, which is always a good thing, both for the child and for the hobby in general. And the child you give the stamps to may show those stamps to friends, who may also get interested in collecting stamps. They may even start trading stamps among themselves, and stamp collections may begin to form.
2. Use them as space fillers. This is a common way, employed by stamp collectors around the workd, to have stamps in your collection that you may not otherwise be able to afford. Some damaged stamps are quite lovely in appearance when mounted in a stamp album. Thins, a very short, almost invisible tear, or damaged gum are faults that really cannot be seen from the front. If an otherwise very expensive stamp is severely marked down in price because of a fault like this, it can be a good acquisition for your stamp collection. You may end up with a stamp that you need for your collection but couldn't otherwise afford.
3. Use them as references for different color shades.
4. The cancellations and postmarks may be collectible, even on damaged stamps.
5. Use them for art (see the picture at the top of this post). Although that may be a little carried away, you can use damaged stamps for scrapbooking, collages, framed art and other decorative purposes.
The list of uses for damaged stamps goes on and on. Just use your imagination!
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Damaged Stamps - Why Buy Them, and What to do With Them
Most stamp collectors accumulate damaged stamps more or less by accident. It seems that there are always at least one or two damaged stamps in any bulk stamp mixture we see (we're not knocking that - it's a great percentage if there are hundred or thousands of stamps!). And some collectors actually buy damaged stamps on purpose.
What do you do with damaged stamps?
We'll answer this question in detail tomorrow, but for now, please be aware that there are several things that you can do with them, some of which serve very good purposes. Don't just throw them out!
Most stamp collectors accumulate damaged stamps more or less by accident. It seems that there are always at least one or two damaged stamps in any bulk stamp mixture we see (we're not knocking that - it's a great percentage if there are hundred or thousands of stamps!). And some collectors actually buy damaged stamps on purpose.
What do you do with damaged stamps?
We'll answer this question in detail tomorrow, but for now, please be aware that there are several things that you can do with them, some of which serve very good purposes. Don't just throw them out!
Friday, October 03, 2008
A Vintage Stamp from the Great Depression - Timely Then and Now
The stamp pictured above is United States Scott No. 732, the 3 cents National Recovery Act commemorative stamp that was issued in 1933.
It features three workmen and a woman and was issued to direct attention to and stimulate the support of the nation for the National Recovery Act (the NRA) that was passed by Congress during the Great Depression.
You see, the $ 700 billion "bailout" package that was passed by Congress today is not by any means the only time that the federal government has taken steps to help a flagging US economy.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Collecting Common Design Stamps
These are the stamps that the Scott stamp catalogs refer to as "common design types." Sometimes they are also called omnibus issues. There are dozens of examples of these types of stamps, but just to name a few examples, they include the Colonial Exposition stamps issued by the French Community in 1931; the Vasco da Gama stamps issued by Portugal and its colonies in 1898; and the Silver Jubilee stamps issued by Great Britain and its colonies in 1935.
Common design type stamps typically feature one or more (if the issue is a set of stamps) commemorative stamps that all depict either the same design or a substantially similar design or theme. Occasionally they are not strictly commemorative stamps, such as the Pombal set of postal tax due stamps issued by Portugal and its colonies.
Portugal and its colonies, France and its colonies, and the British Commonwealth of Nations have all issued common design type stamps. Another example of these types of stamps is the famous Europa / CEPT stamps issued by a number of the member nations. Europa / CEPT stamps are extremely popular with European stamp collectors and also topical or thematic stamp collectors.
Common design stamp collections can be very striking in appearance - imagine a stamp album page filled with all the same design stamp, but the stamps being in different colors and issued by different countries.
Just another way to collect stamps. Remember, there are no rules for your stamp collection other than that it should be enjoyable.
These are the stamps that the Scott stamp catalogs refer to as "common design types." Sometimes they are also called omnibus issues. There are dozens of examples of these types of stamps, but just to name a few examples, they include the Colonial Exposition stamps issued by the French Community in 1931; the Vasco da Gama stamps issued by Portugal and its colonies in 1898; and the Silver Jubilee stamps issued by Great Britain and its colonies in 1935.
Common design type stamps typically feature one or more (if the issue is a set of stamps) commemorative stamps that all depict either the same design or a substantially similar design or theme. Occasionally they are not strictly commemorative stamps, such as the Pombal set of postal tax due stamps issued by Portugal and its colonies.
Portugal and its colonies, France and its colonies, and the British Commonwealth of Nations have all issued common design type stamps. Another example of these types of stamps is the famous Europa / CEPT stamps issued by a number of the member nations. Europa / CEPT stamps are extremely popular with European stamp collectors and also topical or thematic stamp collectors.
Common design stamp collections can be very striking in appearance - imagine a stamp album page filled with all the same design stamp, but the stamps being in different colors and issued by different countries.
Just another way to collect stamps. Remember, there are no rules for your stamp collection other than that it should be enjoyable.
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