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Post by irishjack on Dec 17, 2013 22:43:46 GMT
So Today I was looking over my albums I have one for mint and one for used. I really leaning towards dumping all my mint. I do not find them to hold the interest that a good son has. Looking to see if the gum has been disturb or if its been re-gummed just not hold the interest like the used ones do. Looking at the post mark opens up such a new world, delving into the history of some little town in a far away land. imaging the ship and the voyage of a Paquebot cover. The history that comes with a used stamp out weights the value of the MNH. The whole study of RPO is far more interesting then if the stamp has perfect gum.
Here is an example of a mint v used two stamps same design but different values but it will give you a sense of what I mean. 
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I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113 
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Post by I.L.S. on Dec 17, 2013 23:49:54 GMT
I only collect used! I think mint looks too sterile and lack character. That's just my personal opinion and I'm sure someone out there reading this is shouting at their monitor about now...lol
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Post by stampgeezer on Dec 18, 2013 0:16:25 GMT
Anymore, I go for the best stamp I can afford, mint or used. Or if I like it. Or if it is unusual. Or if I have had one too many.
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tomiseksj
Moderator 
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,385
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Dec 18, 2013 0:26:18 GMT
I'm not shouting but I can see the virtue of collecting both mint and used.
I agree that used provides the advantages that Jack has sighted, provided that the postmark is legible, rather than a blob that has obliterated the face of the stamp.
I also think Jack's unused example is perfect for demonstrating the attraction of collecting mint -- you get to see the stamp's design as it was originally intended, in all its splendor and free of any obstruction.
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Post by comingfrom on Dec 18, 2013 7:05:49 GMT
I'm a collector of used too, for all the above mentioned reasons, but especially so I don't pay big money for unhinged gum that I don't even see when the stamp is mounted in my collection. But then, when I see a beautiful one, like that 10/- seahorse, I must admit, I do find it very attractive.  The perfs and centering and colour are superb. Can you say which printing it is? And did you say, dumping all your mint? How much for that 10/-?  |
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Post by spain1850 on Dec 18, 2013 8:24:20 GMT
I collect both, pretty much for the reasons stated above. Mint - Because I like to see the unobstructed stamp design and enjoy the beauty of it. However, I am NOT a gum condition freak. I gladly accept lihgtly hinged or even MH copies. Used - To have an example of the stamp showing what it was intended for. For my used stamps I try to find either a lightly cancelled copy or a corner cancelled copy. Nicely cancelled copies, such as SON cancels, go into my cancel collection, not my stamp collection.
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I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
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Post by I.L.S. on Dec 18, 2013 12:08:09 GMT
I used to think that way about the gum and why pay for it if you don't see it but now I see the importance of it after getting into some in-depth research but I still can't afford mint in the arena I collect so I just make do with the best ones I can afford. I love being able to see the whole design but I've resigned to buying the proof of a stamp I really love (as well as the used single) so I can ogle/scrutinize the design. I hope I'm making sense I just woke up and on my first cup of coffee...
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firstfrog2013
Member 
Posts: 3,276
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
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Post by firstfrog2013 on Dec 18, 2013 16:40:04 GMT
I know I repeat myself but, I really LOVE my used blocks.Think how easy it is to just go to p.o. buy a block and hang on to it.Then consider finding a block that was used to mail a package or such,and instead of larger face stamps either the clerk or customer used four stamps.I still like a FACE mint stamp but, depending on price will settle for hinged or disturbed gum.We all collect different that's what makes it fun to "visit" one another here.
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Post by spain1850 on Dec 18, 2013 17:47:25 GMT
firstfrog - I wholeheartedly agree. Different strokes for different folks. Imagine how boring it would be if everyone collected the exact same way.
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Post by irishjack on Dec 18, 2013 21:36:06 GMT
That 10/ is a image I have had for a while its NOT MINE  The 2/6 with the Constantinople post mark is 
Yes it would be one very boring world if we all collect the same. I really have a messy collection, I only collect what I like I have a page here and a page there, but when I have a look at my collection I enjoy it. After all we collect for our own entertainment and not for the other chaps. I do enjoy covers so most of my time is centred on that.
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Post by comingfrom on Dec 19, 2013 6:31:38 GMT
Aw, shucks.
You had my hopes up there, Jack. lol
I've started buying a bit of mint since I turned to acquiring British Colonies stamps, as of last year.
Nice used copies are often more expensive, and much harder to find.
So for me, mint stamps make a good interim spacefiller.
Then, when I do get a used copy, I transfer the mint copy to the mint only collection.
After a while, I have built up a spare mint collection for the colony, which will probably get sold off some time,
and the money used to fill remaining gaps in the used collection.
Cheers
`Paul
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Post by spain1850 on Dec 19, 2013 6:45:59 GMT
One quick solution to the mint v. used dilemma: If you have a bunch of mint stamps, but you really want to collect used, just start putting the mint ones on envelopes and taking them to the post office for postmarking. Voila! Now you have used stamps!  |
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Post by comingfrom on Dec 20, 2013 3:13:21 GMT
Thank you. But that doesn't actually work for my Thurn and Taxis stamp of the 19th century, or my 40c sitting Helvetia on granite paper, while living in Australia in the 21st century. Catalogued at around $1 for mint, and $1400 for used, it would be good. And there are plenty who try it.  Regards `Paul |
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therealwesty
Member
Inactive
Sorting my Small Queens
Posts: 331
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Post by therealwesty on Dec 21, 2013 5:05:17 GMT
One quick solution to the mint v. used dilemma: If you have a bunch of mint stamps, but you really want to collect used, just start putting the mint ones on envelopes and taking them to the post office for postmarking. Voila! Now you have used stamps! Clever idea, but most used collectors, at least in my experience (and in my collection) prefer used stamps to be cancelled 'in period'. I usually look for use stamps cancelled within a year of issue. But the closer you can get to the issue date, without soaking them off an OFCD, the better in my books. |
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Cephus
Member
Posts: 169
What I collect: U.S. 1847-1993, Australia, China, New Zealand
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Post by Cephus on Dec 21, 2013 22:14:54 GMT
I only collect mint, I used to collect primarily used back when I couldn't afford mint but I don't really care for used anymore. I want to collect the stamps, not where they've been. Of course, your mileage may vary.
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Post by jkjblue on Dec 21, 2013 22:52:32 GMT
As I collect WW 1840-1940, I have a mixture in my collection of used and unused. I definitely like unused specimens to show the design for an issue, but like used also, especially with a nice readable cancel. What I don't like is cancel smudges over the portrait face.
It is amazing too how many stamps in a feeder album will have three or four hinges piled on top of each other. I like to remove all the hinges, provided I don't risk damaging the stamp.
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Post by irishjack on Dec 21, 2013 23:00:43 GMT
For me its the history that comes with the cancel. Each one has a story to tell. The same goes with covers sometimes those letters make for great reading.
But a mint stamp does display the stamp in all its glory. Each to his own. That's what makes this hobby so great.
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therealwesty
Member
Inactive
Sorting my Small Queens
Posts: 331
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Post by therealwesty on Dec 28, 2013 15:30:01 GMT
I collect mint and used, usually I just try to find a good example of a particular stamp that won't break the budget. I like a good clear and legible cancel. I feel it can add something to the history of a stamp. Most of my stuff pre-1900 is used, the cost of mint specimens from this era are usually quite pricey, but through the 1900s to present I have mostly mint with a few better used copies scattered about the mix.
Though the mint stamps look great in my alblum, I think I spend more time studying and researching the used stamps, especially the postmarks. The cancel really adds another layer of intrigue in my books.
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Post by TinMan on Jan 14, 2014 16:07:07 GMT
I collect both Mint and used but prefer mint because I like to see the artwork in the stamp not a blob of a cancel. That being said. I cannot see how anyone can tell any history by a cancel on a stamp. Obviously there are a few exceptions. But most cancels only contain a blob or smudge so you cannot tell anything about or much about the cancel on a used stamp anyway. Now in defense and I don't collect covers. But a cover tells everything about a used stamp. Where it was mailed from, Who mailed to and the route it took to get there. So when it comes to collecting singles the Mint win out. Most stamps that have been cancelled are so blobbed up you can't even tell often times (Identify) which stamp it is. Especially in the older more valuable stamps. Being stamps prior to 1925.
The Ideal album would have a place for each side by side. Used and Mint. I agree whole heartily about the gum. Because I mount all my old valuable stamps and Mint stamps with the black background. One never sees the backside of the stamp.
It is nice that everyone has their own preference and reason for what and why they collect what they do because that keeps the Hobby interesting and a place for every type stamp.
I rest my case.
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codeye
Member
Inactive
Posts: 75
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Post by codeye on Jan 14, 2014 16:23:59 GMT
I collect both Mint and used but prefer mint because I like to see the artwork in the stamp not a blob of a cancel. That being said. I cannot see how anyone can tell any history by a cancel on a stamp. Obviously there are a few exceptions. But most cancels only contain a blob or smudge so you cannot tell anything about or much about the cancel on a used stamp anyway. Now in defense and I don't collect covers. A covert tells everything about a used stamp. Where it was mailed from, Who mailed to and the route it took to get there. So when it comes to collecting singles the Mint win out. Most stamps that have been cancelled are so blobbed up you can't even tell often times (Identify) which stamp it is. Especially in the older more valuable stamps. Being stamps prior to 1925. The Ideal album would have a place for each side by side. Used and Mint. I agree whole heartily about the gum. Because I mount all my old valuable stamps and Mint stamps with the black background. One never sees the backside of the stamp. It is nice that everyone has their own preference and reason for what and why they collect what they do because that keeps the Hobby interesting and a place for every type stamp. I rest my case. I generally only collect postally used, though cancels have to be clear either central or partial, normally the CDS type cancels, blobs as you describe are passed on unless the stamp is scarce or rare then I will keep as space fillers until a time that I can replace them, North Borneo is a classic example of a country where I do keep precancels until I can replace with postally used items. |
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firstfrog2013
Member
Posts: 3,276
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
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Post by firstfrog2013 on Jan 14, 2014 16:27:00 GMT
Nice to see your first post Tinman share some more thoughts with us.
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Post by ramanandn on Jan 14, 2014 16:41:27 GMT
I go with Stampgeezer; go with what I can afford. I hate gaps staring back at me Ram |
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Zuzu
Member
Inactive
Self-Proclaimed Black Belt in Google Fu
Posts: 768 
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Post by Zuzu on Jan 14, 2014 18:59:57 GMT
It is nice that everyone has their own preference and reason for what and why they collect what they do because that keeps the Hobby interesting and a place for every type stamp. I rest my case. Hear, hear! And it's nice to see you here, TinMan! |
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Post by stampgeezer on Jan 14, 2014 19:22:07 GMT
TinMan, good to see you here! When you get a chance introduce yourself in the NEW MEMBERS INTRODUCTION thread. Our US classics threads are looking for love, so please share with us when you can.
Theron.
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Post by jkjblue on Jan 14, 2014 20:22:02 GMT
One issue with collecting WW classical era is, if one wants to cast a broad net, then one will have both used and unused specimens. Used specimens are not all that common for many colonial countries, so an unused example will have to do. If unused are pricey, why then I am happy with used. Win Win.  |
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Post by europe1840 on Jan 16, 2014 3:57:46 GMT
The two Seahorse images in the post launching this thread sum up the respective virtues of collecting used and/or mint stamps. While I would prefer used stamps if I had to choose, the quality of design detail in mint stamps and the vibrancy of the color make for a different viewing experience. And one that is more affordable than 19th/early 20th-century engravings.
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BC
Departed
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Vancouver, BC Canada
Posts: 836
What I collect: Worldwide USED up to the 1960's, later years from countries that came into existence after then, like Anguilla, Tuvalu and Transnistria.
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Post by BC on Jan 16, 2014 4:10:32 GMT
Used stamps did their job. I love them, especially the classics |
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I.L.S.
Departed
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I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
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Post by I.L.S. on Jan 16, 2014 8:57:47 GMT
I also love postmarks so a nice clean strike on a stamp in my personal opinion is more preferred as long as it's not too obtrusive.
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Post by classicalstamps on Jan 27, 2014 18:22:00 GMT
Collecting Mint appeals to me because of the hunt for perfection. That perfect centered stamp with full original gum (certified of cause ). I'm planning to create some custom albums where you can see the back of the stamps. Yes, I know. I should schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist.. Collecting used appeals to me because of the history associated with each particular item. German Colonies are a fascinating area. Obtaining that rare cancel... Germany 3rd Reich issued cancels which are artworks in themselves. Collecting the different types of cancels for a particular stamp makes for beautiful album pages. Collecting stamps cancelled abroad is fascinating:  Perfection can also be achieved by collecting used:  Danish collectors will pay premium for perfect postal used:  Used stamps where you can not read the place/date are not that interesting for me. Disclaimer: The above are unfortunately not in my collection  |
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Ryan
Moderator
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 2,749
What I collect: If I have a catalogue for it, I collect it. And I have many catalogues ....
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Post by Ryan on Feb 2, 2014 9:00:01 GMT
I'm planning to create some custom albums where you can see the back of the stamps. Yes, I know. I should schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist.. Are you looking at creating something similar to a Lindner hingeless album? I have seen collections where the clear pocket contains a mint stamp (which, with Lindner albums allows you to look at the gum side) with a used stamp hinged to the page. You can buy blank Lindner hingeless pages in all kinds of different formats based on how many pockets are on the page, including many with different sizes of pockets on the same page. The pockets are 19 cm wide, and are glued firmly on to the page.  Ryan |
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