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.