Stamp Collecting

Knowing the meanings of certain stamp terms is an important part of stamp collecting because it means you have a thorough understanding of what you are doing. Here are some of the stamp terms that are well worth knowing:

Adhesive – This is, in actuality, exactly what a stamp is. A stamp is simply a piece of paper that pays for postage when it is applied to a piece of mail. A stamp is a piece of paper that has a pressure sensitive or gummed back.

Airmail Stamps – These are postage stamps that are used to pay postage rates for airmail. The United States stopped issuing airmail-specific stamps during the 1970s, which was when they began to send all mail via air.

As Is - This is a term that is often used in auctions, denoting that a stamp is being sold without any additional guarantees attached to it.

Authentication Mark – This is a tiny mark appearing on many rare and older postage stamps. What it is meant to do is to denote that the stamp has been examined by an expert, and that its authenticity has been approved.

Backstamp – This is a postmark that is applied to a cover’s reverse, indicating the transit or the receipt of mail.

Block - This is an un-separated, even numbered selection of stamps, such as a block of four stamps, six stamps, twelve stamps or so on.

Bogus - This is a fictitious label that appears like a stamp, but that is created specifically for being sold to collectors. Bogus stamps are not used for postage, but simply for displaying and collecting.

Cancel - This is a marking that indicates that a postage stamp has already been used.

Catalog - This is a comprehensive listing of revenue and postage stamps, including their illustrations and their current price valuations as well.

Catalog Value – This is the value of a particular stamp as given or indicated by a particular stamp catalog.

Centering – This is the position of the design of the stamp in relation to the margins that surround it. Centering is particularly important in the determination of a value on a stamp.

Classic Stamp – This is an early stamp issue that has the connotation of rarity.

Coil - These are stamps that are prepared in rolls from between 100 and 1000 stamps that are inserted into vending machines.

Commemorative – These are stamps that are issued for the purpose of honoring a person, a place or an event.

Condition - This is the stamp’s overall state, including the state of the gum, the centering of the stamp, the presence of damage on the stamp and so on.

Counterfeit - This describes a stamp or a cover or a cancellation that was created in order to deceive.

Crease – This is a fold indicating a weakening of the stamp’s paper.

Photo credits: karen horton

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Stamps -> United States -> Collections, Lots

When it comes to finding stamps of great value, US postage stamps are usually the most popular. In fact, many of these stamps may be worth more than $100k, and frequently will go well above that. When you are shopping for collectible US postage stamps, it helps to know what to look for so that you can make a good purchase. Here are some signs that you have a winner on your hands.

1. The gum is still intact.

For stamps made after the last part of the 19th century, there should be gum attached to the back. Adhesives were introduced in US postage stamps during this time period and if you can find one that still has the original gum, that is quite a feat indeed. This can make a difference of several thousand dollars in terms of overall value.

2. The stamp was never used.

While some highly collectible US postage stamps may still have value if they are used, you should always look for stamps that are still in their original books, or were never actually used. If you can find uncirculated US postage stamps, they are worth even more money.

3. The overall condition is very good.

Used or not, the US postage stamp you are trying to collect should be in the best possible condition. Stay away from stamps that are torn, missing pieces or in general bad condition. It is better to have a postmark on one than it is to have half a stamp. Always try to buy the stamps that are in the best condition first since they will generally be worth much more money.

4. The hinge is still intact.

The small piece of paper that was used to connect US postage stamps together is known as a hinge. If you can find a stamp that still has its hinge, it is generally worth more money than those that don’t. However, the hinge should be firmly attached and not hanging lose. If that occurs, the value will go down.

5. The historical figure depicted on the stamp.

This can be a big determiner in the overall value of a US postage stamp. For example, stamps depicting famous presidents such as Abraham Lincoln are generally more valuable. The same is true for famous founding fathers, like Benjamin Franklin, or even present day celebrities.

6. The stamp has a mistake.

This is actually a good thing, as long as it occurred when the stamp was manufactured. Error stamps are actually worth quite a bit of money and many collectors will limit their collections to only these odd creations. If you find a stamp that just looks a little wrong, do a little research on it. It may be a very valuable US postage stamp.

Whenever you are collecting US postage stamps, the overall condition should be your guide. While damaged stamps may be cheaper to collect, they just don’t have the same value as those that are in perfect shape.

Originally posted 2008-08-26 14:00:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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