How To Sell A Large Stamp Collection

Typically, the sale price of a large stamp collection is based almost strictly on the quality and value of only the better stamps. A stamp dealer will not be willing to pay more than a fair percentage of the retail sale value of those better stamps, and probably less unless he or she has an opportunity to carefully inspect the collection in person. This is why it's always better to take or ship your stamp collection to a dealer before selling it - it may be inconvenient to do so, but the offer you then receive may in turn be much higher.

No one would pay much for the cheaper stamps in a collection (even if there are 10's of thousands of them) because they are just not economic for a dealer to process and resell. It can take just as long to process a stamp that's worth 10 cents as a stamp that's worth 100 dollars. A good auction house or stamp dealer will sell the best stamps as individual lots and then sell the balance of the collection (the inexpensive stamps) as one or more lots.

Selling directly on eBay is always a possibility, but because the bidders can only see a few pictures of the collection and not the actual stamps themselves, the price fetched for your stamp collection may be disappointing.

If using an auction assistant on eBay, avoid those who do not specifically specialize in stamps, especially if they may not have the necessary equipment (a scanner), experience and knowledge to properly identify or describe stamps and are not able to produce high quality (but fast loading) scans. Finally, eBay and PayPal fees make it difficult to profitably sell lower cost stamps.

You might also consider having a handful of your better stamps graded or expertized. The bidding may (or may not) go as high as you hoped just on the weight of a few really desirable "highlights". This would be a likely advantage whether you sell via ebay or through a "real life" auction house. This way the buyer can feel like they are buying some high quality, specific items, and essentially getting the rest as a bonus.

I know, some of these suggestions cost both time and money, but sometimes you have to spend a little to make more.

New Great Britain Machin Stamps Will Be Collected ON PAPER ONLY If Used


After February 17 2009, Royal Mail will issue definitive stamps with some new security features that are designed to prevent reuse.

The stamps will have 4 semi-circular slits, and will also have an iridescent print on the dark area around the Queen's head. The slits will most likely make it just about impossible to soak the stamps off their envelope paper - instead of the stamps remaining intact, they will tear along the slits when the paper is pulled away. So, in future, we may only be able to collect and display used Machins ON paper, because they won't be possible to soak.

According to Royal Mail, "the features are designed to prevent any stamps from removal."

Although the design of Machin stamps is the definition of elegant simplicity, collecting these stamps can be very complex and completely absorbing. Because of this complexity, if you know what you're doing, there is always the possibility of finding a major rarity in a stamp mixture or assortment. Machins are a treasure hunter's dream, and because of their great complexity, they have done much for modern philately. They are "real" stamps, workhorses that are not just pretty labels that are designed to raise money for governments.

Most people become stamp collectors because of attractive commemorative stamps. But out of those who go on to become philatelists, most do because of definitive stamps - and especially a highly complex, long lasting series such as the Machins. Those people lose interest in commemorative stamps because of the relative lack of challenge. That will never happen with the Machins.

We understand Royal Mail's desire to protect its revenues by preventing fraudulent re-use of stamps. But we are sad to see any measure put into place that makes it more difficult to collect and display one of the world's classic stamp series - one that has fascinated philatelists for a very long time.

Beginning Stamp Collecting - Today's Installment of A Tutorial on the Hobby for a Lifetime (continued)


Stamp Collecting Tips - How to Handle & Store Your Stamps:


1. Always use stamp tongs to pick up and handle your stamps. They look like household tweezers, but stamp tongs do not have sharp edges. Regular tweezers could easily harm your stamps. You may find it awkward to use tongs in the beginning, but stick with it, it will become second nature.

Do not pick up your stamps with your fingers or even lay them out on a bare table. The natural oils from your skin and the dust on the table will dirty the stamp over time. When looking at your stamps, place them on a clean piece of white paper or something similar, then use tongs to pick them up.

2. You can use clean, plain white envelopes to organize your collection when you start. Write the name of the type of stamps on the envelope to help you stay organized.

When you're starting a stamp collection it's best to keep it simple and just sort your stamps and label your envelopes by country, unless you've already decided you want to focus on just certain types of stamps.

3. When you're done working with your stamps for the day, it's good practice to put your stamps into a clean, sturdy container or box. Shoe boxes or empty desk drawers are an ideal place to store your envelopes.

4. After a while, buy a package of glassine envelopes for your stamps. These are inexpensive, semi-transparent envelopes made especially for stamp collecting. Stamps can stay fresh inside glassines for a fairly long period of time. Many types of paper have high levels of acidity or other properties that over time can harm the stamps inside. It's perfectly okay to temporarily store your stamps in these regular envelopes for a few weeks or even months depending upon the quality of the paper, but you shouldn't keep them there for much longer than that.

United States Fourth Bureau Definitives - A Fascinating Group of US Stamps (Sometimes Called the "1922's")

We stumbled across this article which is chock full of interesting information on this beautiful series of United States definitive stamps, so we thought we'd pass it along to our readers.

Part I
by Michael Mills

The landscape of US stamps is a large one, ranging from dozens of locals and provisionals, a handful of territories and possessions and entities such as the Canal Zone and Hawaii, to the Confederate States of America, which had many of their own locals and provisionals, as well as pioneer airmail service, officials, revenues, and long-lived definitive series.

A newcomer to US philately might be overwhelmed by the topics and specialties, but if someone wanted to delve into the heart of the American philatelic landscape, there's one set of regular definitive postage that can be recommended for its philatelic significance, classic design, collecting possibilities, and affordable price tags. The USA's Fourth Bureau Series of definitives issued from 1922 through 1938 is an excellent entry into the realm of US stamps.

This is a ripe and rich area for collecting USA. In catalog terms, the Fourth Bureau runs from the flat plate, 1/2-cent to five dollar printings (SG# 559-613, 626-7), and the rotary press 1/2-cent to ten-cent issues (SG# 630 - 643), to a host of overprints, some of which are the "poor man's commemoratives" (SG# 649-51) and some security overprints (SG# 655-676): the "Kans." and "Nebr." overprints were designed to help curtail an outbreak of post office thefts in the rural plains states of Kansas and Nebraska. There are errors and specialties, such as the US-administered Canal Zone with its own series of Fourth Bureau overprints.

Throughout the Fourth Bureau there are perforation and color varieties, double transfers and plate errors, and adding to the fun are the numerous coils, with governmental as well as private perforations. Star Plates, experiments in cliche spacing, and various gum breakers also add variety to the series. If someone wanted to seek out higher philatelic ground, there are items such as the two-cent rotary President Harding issue, perf 11, one of which was hammered down at $35,000 in 2000. However, most issues are in the very affordable range, making the series a perfect philatelic entryway into the USA.

Technically, the series marks an era of modernization and innovation within the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, when production migrated from the plate plate press to the rotary press, as well as various experiments with stamp spacing, perforation, and gum.

The Fourth Bureau was also the first US issue to be collected on cover, postmarked on the first day of issue, when the first of the series, the eleven-cent Hayes stamp, was issued on 4 October 1922 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth in Fremont, Ohio. Spacing experiments and the Star Plates made plate block collecting popular, as larger, three millimeter horizontal spaces between stamps were used to try and to cut down on perforation errors and waste. Such plates were marked with stars in the margins, and resulted in some very rare plate blocks.

The Post Office

The Fourth Bureau debuted in October 1922 during the Republican administration of President Warren G. Harding, who took office in March 1921. The new Postmaster General Glover, an ardent stamp collector, set about retooling the Post Office that had apparently languished under the former administration of the ailing Democrat Woodrow Wilson.

Glover started the first philatelic sales windows at the Post Office, and whether or not the series was a replacement for the tired Washington-Franklin series that may or may not have confused postal clerks and letter carriers isn't known. After the series was released, Glover defended the Fourth Bureaus against charges of wasteful spending by saying thousands of postal customers and postmasters had asked the Post Office for more distinctive designs and colors.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing produced all of the series, and changes at the BEP more than likely brought about the new definitives. During the Great World War, the BEP printed the country's war bonds, but security was so lax that fraud and other abuses led to the "Liberty Bond Scandal." The staff was overworked, and the physical plant was aging fast just as the government was stepping up printing production to meet the needs of a growing industrial nation.

Beginning Stamp Collecting - Today's Installment of A Tutorial on the Hobby for a Lifetime (continued)


Plan your stamp collection, but keep in mind that there are no rules, only the ones you set for yourself. Your ideas and collecting habits will change over time and as your collection grows. Your plan - whatever it is - should be flexible enough to allow for growth and broadening interests.


Your first thought might be to establish the theme or topic of your collection. The easiest place to start is to collect stamps that come from mail that is sent to you or your family or friends. Most of these stamps will be from the country in which you live. Many collectors start this way, and branch out later as their interest grows.

There are several different types of stamp collections. For most types you will need at least one stamp catalogue, and possibly several reference books.

Single country.

This type of stamp collection is where you try to collect every stamp issued by the country that you select. The more you collect, the more specialized your collection will become. This will take some time but is a great experience. You will develop in-depth knowledge of the country's stamps.

Topicals or Thematic Stamps.

In this type of collection, you try to collect stamps with a similar theme from anywhere in the world. The choice of topic is yours. The list of possible topics is basically unlimited, but some popular themes are trains, airplanes, space, ships, flowers, flags and Boy Scouts. For something a bit different, you could also try collecting all of the worldwide stamps that were issued in the year of your birth.


Omnibus Collection.

In this type of collection you collect all the stamps that were issued by various countries in connection with a specific event, such as the death of Princess Diana, the Silver Wedding Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II, the coronation of King George VI, etc.


Ad hoc stamp collection.

This is a collection with no apparent rhyme or reason - they are just "stamps that you like." Many stamp collections start this way, and this is how many stamp collectors learn about stamps. This stage may take years, and a collection like this can be left and returned to many years later. This type is usually the least expensive for those with limited funds.

Why is my stamp a brownish color when the catalogue says it should be orange?

When orange stamps turn brown it is usually because sulfur compounds have attacked the ink and oxidized it.

Storage in some vinyl holders can contribute to this condition, and it can happen fairly quickly - some expensive stamps submitted for expertizing have even been affected while awaiting the authentication process.

It's similar to rust on metal, except other chemicals are involved.

If you do an online search for your stamp, or for other orange stamps such as US Scott # C13 or # C16 Special Delivery, you can often find examples of oxidized stamps being offered for sale. A reputable stamp dealer will always disclose this condition in the description and should discount the price of the stamp.

Beginning Stamp Collecting - Today's Installment of A Tutorial on the Hobby for a Lifetime (continued)


The condition of the stamps that are intended for your stamp collection is critically important. Ideally all of your stamps will be intact with no corners missing, no tears, no thins (discussed below), no pinholes, etc. Well-centered stamps - those that have essentially the same size margins (blank edges) on all four sides - are also ideal. But as we all know, what is ideal is often not what is reality. So here are some thoughts on different stamp flaws which detract from the condition and appearance of stamps, and some thoughts on how to remedy at least some of them.


USED Stamps:


1. Creases, folds and bends, and pin holes.

Even the smallest corner crease can detract from the condition and value of a stamp. Light folds and bends (which are a bit less serious than creases since they haven't damaged the integrity of the stamp paper) can sometimes be "washed out" by soaking, and then when nearly dry, pressing the stamp between sheets of paper with a heavy book or two on top. Pinholes, on the other hand, will be there forever, no matter what you try.

2. Dirty appearance of either the front or back of the stamp.

Some "dirty" marks can be removed by soaking in warm water with the addition of a drop or two of mild dishwashing liquid. A gentle massage between the fingers during the soak helps to dislodge dirt and grime. Then dry and press as in 1 above.

3. Rust marks and staining.

Rust is actually a fungal growth on the stamp and is almost impossible to remove. Such stamps should NOT be stored with clean stamps as the spores can be transmitted from stamp to stamp.

Ideally, stamps should be stored in low humidity, with a stable temperature and with regular airing. This will reduce the chances of rust. Dust can also carry these spores, so a dust-free environment is also good.

Staining is caused by the dyes used on colored envelopes (such as those bright red or green Christmas card envelopes) being transferred to the stamp during the soaking process. It is best to soak colored envelopes separately as even just one colored envelope may stain all of the stamps in a soaking batch. Staining caused by these dyes is almost impossible to completely remove.


4. Centering.

Centering refers to the position of the stamp design in relation to the overall stamp. A well centered stamp has equal margins on all four sides. An off-center stamp may be high, low, left, right or a combination of these.


5. Heavy or smudged postmarks.

6. Torn or cut stamps, and stamps with missing perforations (perfs).

Even one or two missing perforations can seriously detract from a stamp.

7. Thins.

Stamp thins are a condition where a thin portion of the back side of the stamp has been ripped away, either by pulling off a stamp hinge or not completely soaking the stamp before removing it from the envelope. When held up to the light the thinned area looks brighter because more light passes through.

8. Repairs

Repairs to tears or missing perfs are intended to make the stamp look better and more valuable. Compared to an un-repaired stamp that's in good condition, even a successful repair will still detract from the stamp.


All of the above condition factors also apply to MINT stamps, and with mint stamps, gum condition must also be considered.


FULL GUM - no disturbance to the original gum as issued.

PARTIAL GUM - some of the stamp's original gum has been removed by being hinged.

NO GUM- the original gum has been removed by soaking.
Sometimes this is necessary to arrest rust or to separate stamps that have "licked themselves together" over time.


That's all for today - more of this tutorial soon!

Beginning Stamp Collecting - A Tutorial on the Hobby for a Lifetime (continued)


As we alluded to in our first post on this topic, you may want to start your stamp collection with used stamps. They are easy to find for free (from your mail and that of your friends and relatives), and when you buy them they generally (although there are exceptions) are less expensive to buy than mint, unused stamps.

Collecting used stamps has one main factor to consider that does not apply if you are collecting mint stamps: the postmarks and cancellations that are on them.


For beginners collecting used stamps, here are our thoughts on cancellations and postmarks (for now, we're not taking into account the condition of the stamp, just the postmark). We'll discuss the condition of stamps a bit later.

1. Your first preference would probably be a neat, well struck cancel which does not detract from the design on the stamp. You might like it best if it only impinges on a small portion of the stamp, since you can see the design on the stamp better that way. No smudging. Showing some or all of the town's name is a bonus.

2. Second preference - A CDS (circular date stamp cancellation) that is neat and not over-inked or smudged. This type of postmark will allow you to see where and when the stamp was mailed on its cover.

3. A third type of postmark is the pictorial cancellation. These graphic designs used to cancel stamps illustrate some event or concept.

4. Slogan cancellations also convey some concept - such as "Vote Early" or "Win the War."

5. Your last preference might be a machine cancel that covers only a small portion of the stamp. Generally there isn't much postal history information to be gained from a postmark of this type.

In many countries a circular datestamp SOTN (socked on the nose) cancel is the preferred cancel. These show all details of the town name, date of sending and country/state details.

Collecting postmarks and cancellations can be a fascinating specialty stamp collection. Because your collection will grow and evolve over time, always look to upgrade a cancel or stamp when a better one appears. You can always remove the poorer cancel from your collection and replace it with the better.

Stamp condition, also comes into play with your final decision. A good condition stamp with a lesser cancel is often far better than a damaged stamp with a good cancel, but there are many exceptions to this generalization. Some postmarks add value to even a damaged stamp but this is more for the advanced collector. If you're unsure about which of two stamps might be better, keep both, and ask questions.

If you have any extremely good circular cancels or pictorial cancels, often it is better NOT to soak them off the paper but save them as a piece to show the whole stamp and postmark. Even better, keep the ENTIRE (the whole envelope together with its stamp) intact.

Where there are multiple cancels- whether touching the stamp or not - it is best to save these as an entire or at least a large piece. Often these postal markings show the journey the letter has taken and other special handling details.


More installments of this tutorial will follow.

Beginning Stamp Collecting - A Tutorial on the Hobby for a Lifetime (part 1 of several parts)


There are many different ways to begin collecting stamps, but here are some of our thoughts on how to get started.

1. Collect stamps before you BUY any stamps.

Save every stamp that comes to you on mail. Ask your friends and relatives for their stamps. Get stamps from your office or by any other means that you don't have to pay for. Accept every stamp that's given to you, no matter how rough-looking.

This will let you get a taste of the hobby without having to spend any money. You can learn the basics of stamp collecting by using these free stamps.

2. Learn the basics about stamp collecting.

The basics include how to soak stamps off paper (read other entries in this blog for some tips on this) and how to identify your stamps. You'll need a stamp catalog of some type to identify them. Borrow one from the library (most libraries carry stamp catalogs), borrow one from a friend or relative, or ask for a catalog as a gift. An older stamp catalog is just fine to get started with - there's no need to buy the most recent specialized version yet.

You should also learn how to safely store your stamps. For now, a stock book or a box with a lid is fine. Keep your stamps dry and away from high humidity - and the dog, if you have one.

You can also learn some basics by talking about your stamps with stamp collectors that you know. They can give you some tips and tricks that are based on their experiences. If you don't know anyone who collects stamps, post on this blog - we'll answer your questions quickly.



The single most important thing to remember is that collecting stamps is fun, not a "job."

And secondly, if you have children, by all means share your hobby with them. They'll thank you for it, it's great quality time together and educational for everyone.



This is only the first installment of this tutorial, so if you're a new stamp collector or thinking about collecting stamps, stay tuned.

Commercial Covers vs. Philatelic Covers - How to Tell the Difference

As we said yesterday, sometimes the distinction between commercial covers and philatelic covers can be a bit blurry. But if you're a cover collector, it is essential to be able to determine if a particular cover is commercial or philatelic.


There are perhaps three ways to determine whether or not a cover is commercial in nature:

1. What postage rate is the cover paying as compared to what franking should be on the cover? In other words, were stamps with a face value that is more than what was necessary to mail it used? If so, the cover may be philatelic, although sometimes commercial covers do have more postage than actually necessary on them.

2. In what timeframe were the stamps used on the cover? In other words, were the stamps used within a short period of time after they were issued (more likely to be a commercial use, although first day covers would be an exception), or were they used much later than they were issued (more likely to be a philatelic cover)?

3. How does the cover look? By that we mean, is its overall appearance philatelic or commercial? This is a judgment call, but here are some things to consider in making that judgment.

Have the stamps been very neatly placed on the cover or is their appearance on the envelope a bit haphazard?

Are all the members of a stamp set present or is a single definitive stamp the only franking?

Is it a philatelic cancel from a stamp show or exhibition?

Is it a first day of use?

How is it addressed?

Has it been opened very neatly or a bit roughly?

Some stamp collectors focus on commercial covers, while others focus on philatelic covers. There is nothing wrong with either type, it's all a matter of individual preference. Commercial covers demonstrate how stamps are used in the mail, but their appearance (as far as the stamps are concerned) is usually nothing special. Philatelic covers (because of the stamps that are used) are often quite beautiful. Which type of cover you decide to collect is up to you.

Collecting Covers - A Stamp Collecting Specialty

New stamp collectors may wonder just what "covers" are, and why they are collectible.

The most simple answer is that a "cover" is an envelope that has been stamped and sent through the mail. They can be collectible for the stamp(s), for the postmark, for the recipient or for the sender, or a combination of these factors. There are two main types of covers: commercial covers and philatelic covers.

Commercial covers are those that are mailed for ordinary (non-collecting) purposes. Since by definition they are not created expressly for stamp collectors but are instead used to transmit material (whatever was inside the cover) they always contained some type of content (although that content often is removed by the recipient before the cover gets into a collector's hands).

Philatelic covers, on the other hand, are covers that are created and mailed specifically for the purpose of someone collecting them. Sometimes they originally include(d) some type of meaningful content inside, but other times there may only be a blank cardboard stiffener. First day covers are a subcategory of philatelic covers.

Sometimes the distinction between commercial covers and philatelic covers can be a bit blurry. But if you're a commercial cover collector, it is essential to be able to determine if a particular cover is commercial or philatelic.

Tomorrow we'll discuss how many stamp collectors make this determination.

Stamp Trivia Question:


Question: What is the world's most reproduced work of art in history?

Answer: Arnold Machin's sculpture of the head of Queen Elizabeth II, an image of which is featured on British definitive stamps, with a smaller image being on most other British stamps.


According to an article by Richard Alleyne, only a handful of casts of the bust were ever made by renowned sculptor Arnold Machin. Three of them are kept by Royal Mail but a fourth has been discovered in the closet of the artist's former studio and is to be auctioned off.

Alleyne goes on to say,"The 1966 design is said to be so well-liked by the Queen that she has declined to have it updated and changed over the years, unlike her effigy on coinage. It is still seen on almost every British stamp today and some 320 billion copies have been made over the last 40 years, making it the most reproduced work of art in history."

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Answer to Yesterday's Hologram Stamp Trivia Question

The first hologram stamp issued anywhere in the world was Austria Scott No. 1441, issued in 1988.

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?

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

Soaking Self-Adhesive Stamps - Get Used To It

Self-adhesive stamps (sometimes called peel-and-stick stamps or pressure-sensitive stamps) have become so popular with the non-

stamp collecting public that it's hard to imagine them ever going away. They don't need to be licked or otherwise moistened

before being applied to an envelope, and once there, some of them can seem like they're stuck there forever.

Self-adhesive stamps were first used in the 1960s but initially they were more of a novelty than anything. Sierra Leone, Tonga,

and Bhutan - all countries that are not known for the huge amount of mail sent by their residents - were the first producers of

peel-and-stick stamps. The United States issued an experimental self-adhesive Christmas stamp (Scott # 1550) a few years later,

but they were not well accepted by the public. This particular stamp has two large detriments for collectors: used copies are

extremely hard to soak off paper, and the adhesive has discolored the light-colored background of the majority of mint stamps.

The next foray into the self-adhesive stamp world by the US met with far more success. Scott # 2431 (the 29 cent Eagle and Shield

stamp) was issued in 1989. That stamp really got the ball rolling for peel-and-stick stamps, and now we are "stuck" with them

even though they definitely do present extra challenges for philatelists. These additional challenges include how to store them (should I keep them on the backing paper, making them a bit more awkward to mount in my stamp album, and also risk migration of the adhesive onto the edges of the stamp?) and how to best soak them.



Self-adhesive stamps should probably be soaked with other self-adhesive stamps, not in a mixture that includes water-activated stamps. Water-activated stamps almost alwats float free of the paper they're on long before self-adhesive stamps.

Be careful when soaking peel-and-stick stamps that are adhered to colored paper: the long soaking times that are usually required increase the chances that vividly colored inks from the paper will bleed onto the stamp.

Soak self-adhesive stamps as soon as you acquire them. The longer these stamps are left on paper, the more "stuck" they will become and it will be even harder to get them to detach and float off the paper.

You may succeed in soaking self-adhesive stamps off their paper within 45 or so minutes, or it may take 15 t0 20 hours. Or, they may never release. Some issues are particularly stubborn.

Reasons for Stamp Collecting


I've been wondering what causes people to purchase and collect stamps.

As far as I can tell, there are three main types of people who purchase stamps: 1. stamp collectors, who love stamps and are motivated to collect stamps for a variety of reasons; 2. philatelists, who are intellectually motivated and study stamps, their usage, and the methods by which they are printed; and 3. investors, who are motivated by the prospect of making money and don't necessarily fancy stamps.


Most people who collect the stamps of a particular country have some connection to that country. For example, many people who collect United States stamps do so because that is where they live, and the events and people depicted on US stamps strike a chord with them.

But there are as many different reasons to collect postage stamps as there are different types of stamp collections. Someone in the navy may enjoy finding topical stamps with various types of ships and boats depicted upon them. Or a world traveler may collect stamps from the countries visited along the way, or from locations he or she has been to. A stamp collector can accumulate or collect whatever stamps are interesting, for whatever reasons. There are no rules in stamp collecting, just enjoyment.

Children and Stamp Collecting

Now that summer is over and the weather is turning toward winter, children (and adults) are usually inside the house for much longer periods of time. Kids of all ages who have a lot of extra time on their hands need to be occupied, and parents who encourage their children to begin a stamp collection often do them a big favor.

Instead of watching tv or playing video games or texting their friends, they could be embarking on the adventure of a lifetime - stamp collecting. Stamps are educational - in a very painless, entertaining way - and they can hold a child's interest for the rest of his or her life. History, geography, foreign languages, nature, and science and technology are all subjects that children can learn about through stamps.

Stamp collecting is a safe hobby for children to engage in and getting them started doesn't need to be expensive at all. Just purchase an inexpensive stamp assortment for them, and watch them learn and enjoy!

How Will the Current World Economic Crisis Affect Stamp Collecting?

No one can say.

It's a pretty safe bet that, as a general rule, people will be much more conservative in spending their money since the price of necessities such as food and gasoline has skyrocketed. High prices for necessities leave less money available for adding to stamp collections. And now, with the current stock market in turmoil and major banks failing and otherwise in financial trouble, the situation will only become worse.

But.

Collectible stamps can also be seen as a hedge against a falling stock market and rising prices for goods. They aren't as liquid as gold (which has seen a huge jump in its prices) but stamps - especially classic, vintage stamps - historically have risen in value over time. There are thousands of examples of stamps that are worth 10 or 20 or 100 times as much today as they were 20 or 30 years ago. These types of stamps can be considered an investment. And they're an investment that won't decline in value the way stocks or mutual funds will.

It's too soon to tell how the current global crisis will affect stamp collecting. But don't panic.

The Thrill of Victory

Much of the fun in stamp collecting is in finally locating that elusive, hard to find "hole" in your stamp collection. It may be a common stamp that you just can't seem to find, or it may be a more expensive vintage stamp. For whatever reasons, it's missing from your stamp collection.

All stamp collectors have at least a few "missing links" that they would love to put into their collections, if only they could find them. There are a couple of different ways to try to find them. Most of these ways can be expensive, but there is one method that is very economical.

The least expensive way to fill many of the gaps in your collection - especially if you are a relatively new stamp collector or are just beginning a stamp collection - is to purchase a bulk stamp mixture. Wholesale-priced stamp assortments provide the opportunity to buy stamps at an extremely low price, many times for not even a penny a stamp. These kinds of stamp mixes can be already soaked and off their paper, or they be still be on paper. The choice is yours. And you can buy single-country stamp mixtures or assortments from a specific continent, group of countries, or the entire world. Again, the choice is yours.

Buy your 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.

The 34 cent Greetings From America Commemorative Stamp Set - US Scott No. 3561-3610

Issued in April, 2002, the 34 cent Greetings from America commemorative stamp set has captured the eyes and hearts of just about everyone who has seen one of them, both stamp collectors and non-stamp collectors.

They are beautiful, with vivid, striking colors and wonderful designs that are reminiscent of the old and very popular large letter linen postcards. Used stamps from this set are extremely difficult to collect, even though they are not old.

They are so beautiful that many people bought complete sheets of 50 and just set them aside, never to be used on the mail.

And only two months after they were issued, the USPS increased the postal rate for 1st class one ounce letters, making all 34 cent stamps (including the 34 cents Greetings from America stamps) virtually obsolete as additional postage would have to be added in order to use them.

Because of the postal rate increase and the popularity of the 34 cent Greetings from America stamps, the 37 cent Greetings from America stamp set (US Scott # 3696-3745) was issued only a few months later, in October 2002. A complete set of used stamps from that stamp set is also difficult to collect, but not as difficult as the 34 cent variety, as they were able to be used on the mail for a longer period.

More Challenging Used Stamp Sets For Your Stamp Collection

Postally used millennium stamps from yet another country are also very difficult to collect - the Canada commemorative stamps that were issued in 1999 and 2000.

In 1999 Canada Post released three small souvenir sheets or miniature sheets that each contained one stamp. One stamp celebrates the past, one the present, and the third is a magnificent holographic image of a dove in flight.

This was followed (in 1999 and 2000) by 17 souvenir sheets or mini sheets that each contained four stamps, for a total of 68 stamps, for a grand total of 71 Canadian millennium stamps.

Each of the 17 souvenir sheets features a different theme relevant to Canada and Canadians.

Used copies of any of these stamps (much less a complete set) are very difficult to find, as they were not often used on mail. In fact, the first three souvenir sheets were only issued as a "millennium keepsake" contained in a silver-colored box along with a coin. And it seems that most Canadians took the keepsake concept literally - keeping these stamps rather than using them in the mail.

Great Britain's Fabulous Millennium Series Postage Stamps

The postal administrations of many countries issued postage stamps in connection with the advent of the new millennium (the turnover from 1999 to 2000). We've already discussed America's popular Celebrate the Century series of 150 different stamps and the challenge that collecting postally used copies of these stamps pose.

Here's another very popular set of stamps that isn't quite as difficult to complete as the Celebrate the Century stamps, but were issued at roughly the same time: the Millennium Stamps of Great Britain. There are a total of 100 different stamps in this series, all of which were issued during 1999-2001. Like all GB stamps, they are beautifully designed and beautifully printed.

Collecting all of these stamps as postally used stamps can be challenging, but despite their large number (1oo altogether), used stamps from this stamp series aren't quite as difficult to find as the US Celebrate the Century stamps. There are a couple of reasons for this.

1. The United Kingdom only issued two other commemorative stamps during the entire 2 year and one month "Millennium Stamp period," so any Brit wishing to use commemorative stamps for mailings during that time was almost forced to use a Millennium stamp.
2. There are 50 fewer stamps to have to collect in order to complete the entire set.

Now that we've told you that these stamps can be challenging to collect as a postally used stamp set, here's a bit of information about them.

The 1999 British Millennium Stamps:

In 1999 Royal Mail issued a series of stamps that were grouped into 12 different sets of four (known as "tales"), including Entertainment, Science & Technology and Sport. One group of four stamps was released during each month of the year, for a total of 48 stamps that year.

The set that was issued in September 1999 was called The Farmers’ Tale, and contained a 19p stamp that doubled as Royal Mail’s contribution to that year’s Europa postage stamp issue - another popular thematic stamp topic with collectors - but we'll discuss Europas another day.

One of the most notable stamps in the British millennium collection was a stamp commemorating the life of the lead singer of the British rock group Queen, Freddie Mercury. The issuance of this particular stamp caused some controversy because Roger Taylor (who was still alive) was in the background at the drums. Normally the only living people allowed to appear on British stamps are members of the British Royal Family (which Roger Taylor is not).

Other stamps in the 1999 stamps featured English football hero Bobby Moore; a picture of the structure of DNA; and a fossil of Archaeopteryx, the first known bird.

The 2000 British Millennium Stamps:

These stamps commemorated a variety of projects throughout the UK which had received funding from the Millennium Commission. As in 1999, the stamps were released in 12 monthly sets of 4 stamps each, for a total of 48 stamps.

The stamps featured such projects as the Eden Project, the Tate Modern art gallery, the National Space Centre and the Scottish Seabird Centre.

The 2001 British Millennium Stamps:

These four stamps featured painted faces of children. They were the only British Millennium stamps issued in 2001, and they brought this beautiful stamp series to an end.

100 beautiful, colorful commemorative stamps. Remember that although postally used stamps can be tough to find, they are also extremely rewarding when you're successful.

The Challenges of Collecting Postally Used Stamps - Continued

Yesterday we posted on the topic of collecting postally used stamps and the challenges that used stamp collections present. Here's an example that many of you may be familiar with:

The United States Celebrate the Century issue.

This is a series of 150 different commemorative stamps issued by the US between 1998 and 2000.

They are Scott No. 3182-3191, and each of these different major Scott numbers was issued as a pane of 15 se-tenant stamps. They were sold in connection with the turn of the century, and this is a theme that we'll see with the stamps of other countries, too. Each pane of 15 stamps showed subjects from a specific decade in the 20th century, from the 1900s to the 1990s.

They are exceedingly difficult to complete as a postally used set.

First of all, there are a lot of them - 150 different stamps. That's a LOT of different but specific used stamps to try to find, considering that they're all the same set.

Secondly, they were issued in beautiful panes of 15 with informative text and background pictures. Many people who bought these panes kept them intact and unused because of their beauty and the history of the United States that they portray. Other people bought them strictly as a memento or keepsake of the passage of time and also the passing of the old millenium to the new. The panes those people purchased never got into the mailstream and still have not been postally used.

Third, because many of the stamps are topical or thematic stamps, many of the available stamps have been snapped up by collectors of those topics, rather than by collectors of United States stamps.

See what I mean about these being challenging to collect? We'll post another example tomorrow.

The Challenge of Collecting Postally Used Stamps: Part 1

We all know that stamp collecting can be fun and rewarding (and rewarding in more ways than one). And, sometimes, it can be challenging too - trying to "fill a hole" in a stamp collection isn't always easy to do.

But most challenging of all is collecting stamps that have actually been used in the mail - what we call "postally used" stamps. After all, if you have enough money, you can usually find mint never hinged or mint hinged stamps for your stamp collection - that's what most dealers focus on selling, and what most dealers carry as their stock. With most stamp dealers, you'll find plenty of unused stamps and some postally used stamps - but only the expensive used stamps. You won't find inexpensive used stamps at most stamp shops, or for that matter, at most online stamp dealers' websites either.

This fact can make it difficult to fill out some "missing links" in a collection - often, it is more difficult to find an inexpensive postally used stamp than its unused counterpart. And the situation is compounded when you're trying to put together a postally used complete set of one of the large sets of definitive stamps or commemorative stamps that some countries have issued.

We'll talk about some specific examples of challenges in collecting used stamps over the next few days. In the meantime, if you're looking for specific postally used stamps or sets (or mint, unused stamps, for that matter), have a look at The Stamp People They sell everything from minimum value stamps (individually identified and priced) to kiloware and off paper stamp mixtures, to classic, vintage stamps (mint and used).

Some Collectors Are Interested in Stamps and Coins. If That Describes You, Then Read On....

Many people who started out collecting stamps have also gotten interested in coin collecting. And the opposite is true also: many coin collectors also collect stamps. We've been asked by a couple of our readers to provide a bit of information that might help stamp collectors who also collect coins. So here we go:

Coin Community is a numismatic website which has experienced phenomenal growth and recognition since its inception in 2005. It currently has over 5,200 members that hail from more than 90 different countries, and the site provides a wealth of information to coin collectors all over the world.

The Coin Community site provides a forum for give-and-take discussion, a Coin Facts section and a Coin History section that collectors can find helpful when researching various coins. The site helps collectors learn about coins, and make informed purchasing and selling decisions. Many of the members participate in the Buy/Sell/Trade section.

Have a Passion for a Particular Topic? Turn it Into a Topical or Thematic Stamp Collection!

If you feel a strong affinity for a particular subject or activity, convert your interest into a new and exciting stamp collection. Stamps have been issued on just about every topic and theme you could think of. Here are just a very few examples of topical stamp collections:

Are you a passionate golfer or follower of golf? Try a golf on stamps topical collection.

Did you serve in the military during World War 2? Start a thematic stamp collection that focuses on stamps issued by countries in which you served, that honor your branch of service or that feature specific battles in which you participated.

Do you enjoy the arcane world of heraldry and heraldic coats-of-arms? Collect stamps that feature heraldic devices from around the world, or from a specific region.

The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination.

The current trend in stamp collecting is toward thematic or topical collections, and away from country collections. Try it out, and see what makes them so popular.

The Wild World of British Machin Stamps

The "Machin" set of Great Britain definitive stamps began in 1967 and new stamps in the series are still being printed and used. They feature the head of Queen Elizabeth II. Early stamps in the series are pre-decimal; the later issues are of course decimal stamps.

The stamps are fondly referred to as "Machins" or "Machin head stamps" because the sculptor of the bust of Queen Elizabeth II that's used in the design of all of the stamps was a gentleman named Arnold Machin.

According to some experts, there are well over 1,000 different varieties of stamps in this long-running series. They can be collected on many different levels - the philatelist can collect just the major denomination and color types, or he or she can go far beyond that. Printing methods, phosphor tagging, perforation changes, and changes in the size of the denomination numeral are all additional variables in collecting Machins. Other varieties include larger size Machin stamps, which generally are high denomination stamps.

In addition to stamps that solely show the Queen's head, there are regional issues - Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man - that feature the Queen's head and a small country symbol in the top lefthand corner. For example, the Welsh regional Machin stamp has a small Welsh dragon in the corner.

Another variation on the Machin stamps was the Anniversary Issue of 1990. These stamps feature portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria.

As I mentioned earlier, a stamp collector can make his Machin collection as simple - or as complicated - as he or she likes. The most detailed, specialized Machin stamp catalog is the Complete Deegam Machin Handbook, published in two volumes. Much more than a mere "handbook," this massive work is the definitive authority on these stamps and, as such, is a must-have for any serious Machin collector.

Because of their colorful nature, but moreso because of all the different and sometimes intricate varieties, Machins can be a wild series of stamps to collect.

The Local Carrier Stamps / Cinderella Stamps of Great Britain

You've probably heard about Lundy stamps - the famous Puffin stamps used to offset the cost of local delivery from the Island of Lundy (located off the Devonshire coast) to "mainland" England.

They are essentially private postage stamps, with a value expressed in "Puffins." They began in 1927 and continue to be printed and used today. They are to be affixed to the bottom left hand corner of the envelope, so that the mainland sorting offices can process them. Their cost includes the standard Royal Mail charges for onward delivery.

The Lundy Puffins are a type of stamp known to philatelists as "local carriage labels," "local carrier stamps" or "local delivery stamps." Although the Lundy stamps are probably the best-known of the local stamps used in the United Kingdom, there are several others.

These include:

Bernera Islands, a group of islands off the coast of Scotland.

Davaar Island, also off the coast of Scotland

Eynhallow, also known as Holy Island. Also located off the coast of Scotland

Gairsay Island, a Scottish local post in the Orkney Islands

Herm Island, located near Guernsey

The Isle of Jethou, a Channel Island 3 miles east of Guernsey

St. Kilda, an island 100 miles off the coast of Scotland

Sanda Island, another Scottish island

Staffa, yet another Scottish island

the Isle of Stroma, off the north coast of Scotland

These local stamps can be fascinating to locate and collect. Some other countries also use similar stamps, including the famous Rattlesnake Island stamps used in a remote area near Sandusky, Ohio, United States.

Varieties of Canadian Stamps ~ Lots of Fun, and Sometimes Financially Rewarding Too!

As I mentioned a couple of days ago, many different Canadian stamps have varieties, but those varieties aren't always mentioned in the Scott catalog. Many of them aren't worth much more than the "standard" version of the stamp, but some are worth quite a bit more. But whether they're valuable or not, varieties are always fun to find, and searching for them can be rewarding in more ways than one.

Here are a few examples of Canadian stamp varieties that are specifically identified in the Unitrade Catalog, but not in Scott:

Scott No. 593, an 8 cent Queen Elizabeth II ultramarine definitive stamp, has a number of varieties. The "weeping Queen" variety, numbered 593x in Unitrade, has a black dot at the bottom of her right eye. Number 593xi, the "tear on side of nose" variety, has a black dot between the right eye and the nose. A third variety of this same stamp, No. 593xii, is the "spur on 8" type, and features a spur on the numeral 8 in the denomination of the stamp.

Scott No. 715, the 14 cent Parliament definitive, also has a number of different varieties beyond the "standard" stamp. Unitrade No. 715iii is the "missing spire" variety. The right spire on the tower is missing on this stamp. Unitrade No. 715iv is the "missing brick" variety, and Unitrade No. v is the "light in window" variety.

The Suzor-Cote commemorative stamp, Scott No. 492, has the following varieties. Unitrade No. 492i is the "line from knee" variety. Another one is Unitrade No. 492ii, the "bird in sky" variety.

Here's a variety that's not that difficult to find: Scott No. 553, the stamp that features Paul Kane's painting of the Indian Encampment, has a variety that's been catalogued by Unitrade as No. 553i. It's called the "stroke on teepee" variety. The stroke is at the top of the center teepee.

There are a lot more varieties than just these few, but that should get you going. Don't throw out (or trade away) your extras of what you think are common Canadian stamps - they may not be as common as you think!

Canada Stamp Varieties

If you collect Canadian stamps, you probably know that many of Canada's definitive stamps - and even some of its commemorative stamps - have varieties. Differences in dies, perforations, type of gum, type of paper and other variances can result in different varieties of the same face-similar stamp. Some of these differences are intentional (by the printer or caused by using more than one printer), others are not.

The Scott catalog (the most common stamp catalog used in the United States) identifies a few of these varieties. But the Scott catalog that contains Canadian stamps doesn't pretend to be a specialized catalog, and other catalogs do a much better job with Canadian stamp varieties. These more specialized catalogs include Unitrade and Darnell, just to name a couple.

Looking for stamp varieties can be painstaking and time-consuming, but it is one way to expand a stamp collection inexpensively. And it's incredibly rewarding to find a variety that you've been looking for. One of the most effective ways to look for possible stamp varieties - and also probably the most inexpensive method - is to buy bulk stamp mixtures, either on paper or off paper.

Mint Never Hinged - Unused and Unmounted ~ More Food for Thought

There is an increasing gap in prices for mint never hinged stamps - those with original gum that have no hinge mark or other gum disturbance - and mint hinged stamps, those that have a mark on the gum where a stamp hinge used to be.

Some stamps that have been hinged have superb centering. Should those stamps be automatically rejected from being in a stamp collection? Especially when never hinged copies that are poorly centered are actually less attractive?

Some stamps are almost impossible to buy in never hinged condition, or at least impossible to buy at a realistic price. Lovely examples of hinged stamps may be readily available and very desirable. Should those lovely stamps be ignored? Especially if you'll never be able to afford a never hinged copy?

Just some food for thought regarding the current "mint never hinged craze."