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."