Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
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03:19:23pm
Half way IMHO, but it depends on the buyer. Some buyers have differing opinions! I would pay more than used, less than mint!
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There seems to be many differing opinions on this. Some say "mint" is reserved only for those stamps that are unused, have no evidence of a hinge, and bear full original gum. Others say any stamp unused is still "mint".
In my store, I used to go by the former and went with"unused" for any which had any evidence of a hinge . The same for NG. However, it appeared that many, many other sellers used " mint" for anything unused, but added, where applicable "LH, HR, VLH, VLHR"...Etc. Now, I go with that. I have no trouble with this as I feel it adequately informs a potential buyer of the situation.
You can find many discussions of this online.
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i define "mint" as "as issued." However, most people don't; most allow it to be modified by "with hinge" or "hinge remnant" or "no gum" or "disturbed gum." I think as long as those modifying terms are adjacent to "mint," I can live with it.
the most important thing is clarity
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If the stamp is as issued with gum and unhinged and the gum is undisturbed it is Mint Never Hinged. (MNH)
If the stamp is as issued with gum but with hinge marks or lightly disturbed gum it is Mint Hinged. (MH)
If the stamp has no gum and you are the person that removed the gum then it is Mint No Gum. (MNG)
If the stamp has no gum and you are not the person who removed the gum then it is Used.
If the stamp has no gum and any type of cancellation then it is Used. Whether it has been hinged or not.
If the stamp has gum and it has been cancelled then it is CTO ie Cancelled to Order.
It is incorrect to call a stamp Unused. If you have not possessed the stamp from new, how do you know it is "Unused"?
It could have been through the mail and had never been cancelled.
No if's or but's!
Simples!
If I see any other words or letters added to a description then it is ignored no matter whether it is a so called bargain or not!
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"If the stamp has no gum and you are not the person who removed the gum then it is Used."
However - what about the cases where Scott values used at several times the mint value? Or even when there isn't a large difference = lets say both mint and used are valued at $1.00 in Scott. normally I would list a used copy at 40 cents but a mint copy with no gum at 15 cents or 20 cents. I generally toss them on a large manila stock sheet by Letter in a book titled "Save for a long winter night". There they will probably remain until settling my estate.
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I repeat:-
If the stamp has no gum and you are the person that removed the gum then it is Mint No Gum. (MNG)
If you have not possessed the stamp from new, how do you know it is Mint no gum. It could have gone through the mail.
AS for the values listed by Scott or any other catalogue author they are a guide and it is up to the seller and the buyer to determine what they are willing to sell for or pay for an item.
You may wish to sell at 50% catalogue. I may wish to sell at 25% catalogue. A N Other may wish to sell at 33% of catalogue.
Price/value is in the eye of the beholder. Who is right? Who is wrong?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlJeNTZw ...
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"It could have been through the mail and had never been cancelled."
This is a very correct statement, I received many letters
with uncanceled stamps and by all means they are used stamps, they have performed
their service that they were meant for.
Older stamps were issued without gum, in this case they are mint, there's no need
to state "no gum"
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Wow, so many different ideas, sure glad I'm not a new collector.
New collectors are confused I'm sure.
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"Older stamps were issued without gum, in this case they are mint, there's no need
to state "no gum""
Unfortunately NONE of the major catalogues actually state every stamp that was issued without gum.
How is one supposed to know. You may know, somebody else may know, I don't know, who knows, is it you that knows, or does somebody else know, does anybody know who knows some one who knows?
Its all rather confusing you know!
"New collectors are confused I'm sure."
Of course they are, there is no complete authority in the stamp world and there are vast cultural differences within the stamp world. Isn't it FUN.
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If a seller says they are mint, I do not make the assumption that it means that includes being never hinged (as issued).
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"Unfortunately NONE of the major catalogues actually state every stamp that was issued without gum."
SG states in its main catalogues that "All stamps listed are assumed to have gum of some kind; if they were issued without gum this is stated."
For example, this statement is in both Parts 1 (Commonwealth & Empire) and 2 (Austria & Hungary).
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"if they were issued without gum this is stated.""
I don't think on my 60 years of stamp collecting have I ever came across an actual entry in a catalogue stating it was issued without gum.
Of course I have never gone through all 60 of Stanley Gibbons catalogues in finite detail.
Gibbons' Stamps of the World catalogue definitely does not mention if an item is gummed or not. They don't even give you the different Watermark options.
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03:23:01pm
I know this is probably an example that everyone is familiar with but the special Farley printings in the mid 1930's were issued without gum and it is mentioned in Scott's, US #'s 752 - 771. I can't think of another example at the moment but I bet there were several.
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You are positively without any doubt correct sir. Well said.
Jeremy
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A few examples from the Indian States of stamps issued without gum:
Bamra SG 1-40
Barwani SG 1-31
Bhopal SG 1-99
Bhor SG 1-3
Bundi SG 1-17
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I stand corrected.
Isn't it great that folkies actually know these obscure facts.
Or have spent monies to purchase one of the 54 specialized Gibbons catalogues.
Hands up those that have a copy of all 54.
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06:00:11pm
"Isn't it great that folkies actually know these obscure facts."
What I mentioned is not obscure. Anyone who collects US stamps would probably know what I said.
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was this a lecture?
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Only if you took it that way. It seems to me a few people have learned something. Especially those that didn't know about the Mint As Issued No Gum varieties. Thanks to the professors.
Jeremy
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"was this a lecture?"
I think it was a tutorial!
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We should start thread titled. Philatelic term/acronym of the day. It would help those new to the hobby and those of us who aren't who suffer from CRS can't remember stuff. Those of us who afflicted with CRS usually have a serious case of CFS can't find stuff too.
Jeremy
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CFS...I'm got it bad...almost terminal. Stamps aren't bad, but trying to seize 3mm deadeyes to a shroud is another story. You have to find the deadeye first.
It was more the tone that led to my question.
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05:16:48pm
"CRS CFS ????"
I hate acronyms, what in heck are you people talking about???
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@Joe, if you look at Sarges post a couple above, he does explain (sort of).
CFS, can't find stuff.
CRS, can't remember stuff.
But I agree, too many acronyms these days, is it just that people have got lazy or do they really not know the words.
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Glad you don't have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CRS)
I'd rather have cant find stuff!
I know a guy in my stamp club who has it... 
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06:02:25pm
"CFS, can't find stuff.
CRS, can't remember stuff."
Thanks for that - I really should have re-read the entire post. TLIG = too lazy I guess!
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It happens. Just a little humor to lighten the mood.
Jeremy
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Ok ladies and gentlemen! Here is another acronym for the sake of this thread CHS. My wife says I have a bad case of it. CHS = CANT HEAR STUFF!!!
The word stuff is a substitute for a vulgar word. I think that you all smart enough to figure it out.
The point is Philately is full of acronym's that have been lost to translation and we often take for granted. Most people who are seasoned philatelist's take it for granted that the acronyms are understood. But new generations to the hobby and even older ones have forgotten the fundamentals of the hobby. So here we are with threads like this one.
Have a great rest of the day. That is just a little food for thought.
Jeremy
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The Indians have a cure for CHS.
Spread fresh dog by product over yourself. It's claimed after all day, this works wonders.
Don't tell your wife I suggested this!
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Back when I had a bunch! I think, therefore I am - I think! Descartes, sort of!
08 May 2025
03:19:23pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
Half way IMHO, but it depends on the buyer. Some buyers have differing opinions! I would pay more than used, less than mint!
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re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
There seems to be many differing opinions on this. Some say "mint" is reserved only for those stamps that are unused, have no evidence of a hinge, and bear full original gum. Others say any stamp unused is still "mint".
In my store, I used to go by the former and went with"unused" for any which had any evidence of a hinge . The same for NG. However, it appeared that many, many other sellers used " mint" for anything unused, but added, where applicable "LH, HR, VLH, VLHR"...Etc. Now, I go with that. I have no trouble with this as I feel it adequately informs a potential buyer of the situation.
You can find many discussions of this online.
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re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
i define "mint" as "as issued." However, most people don't; most allow it to be modified by "with hinge" or "hinge remnant" or "no gum" or "disturbed gum." I think as long as those modifying terms are adjacent to "mint," I can live with it.
the most important thing is clarity
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05:46:48pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
If the stamp is as issued with gum and unhinged and the gum is undisturbed it is Mint Never Hinged. (MNH)
If the stamp is as issued with gum but with hinge marks or lightly disturbed gum it is Mint Hinged. (MH)
If the stamp has no gum and you are the person that removed the gum then it is Mint No Gum. (MNG)
If the stamp has no gum and you are not the person who removed the gum then it is Used.
If the stamp has no gum and any type of cancellation then it is Used. Whether it has been hinged or not.
If the stamp has gum and it has been cancelled then it is CTO ie Cancelled to Order.
It is incorrect to call a stamp Unused. If you have not possessed the stamp from new, how do you know it is "Unused"?
It could have been through the mail and had never been cancelled.
No if's or but's!
Simples!
If I see any other words or letters added to a description then it is ignored no matter whether it is a so called bargain or not!
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06:22:25pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
"If the stamp has no gum and you are not the person who removed the gum then it is Used."
However - what about the cases where Scott values used at several times the mint value? Or even when there isn't a large difference = lets say both mint and used are valued at $1.00 in Scott. normally I would list a used copy at 40 cents but a mint copy with no gum at 15 cents or 20 cents. I generally toss them on a large manila stock sheet by Letter in a book titled "Save for a long winter night". There they will probably remain until settling my estate.
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07:14:55pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
I repeat:-
If the stamp has no gum and you are the person that removed the gum then it is Mint No Gum. (MNG)
If you have not possessed the stamp from new, how do you know it is Mint no gum. It could have gone through the mail.
AS for the values listed by Scott or any other catalogue author they are a guide and it is up to the seller and the buyer to determine what they are willing to sell for or pay for an item.
You may wish to sell at 50% catalogue. I may wish to sell at 25% catalogue. A N Other may wish to sell at 33% of catalogue.
Price/value is in the eye of the beholder. Who is right? Who is wrong?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlJeNTZw ...
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re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
"It could have been through the mail and had never been cancelled."
This is a very correct statement, I received many letters
with uncanceled stamps and by all means they are used stamps, they have performed
their service that they were meant for.
Older stamps were issued without gum, in this case they are mint, there's no need
to state "no gum"
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re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
Wow, so many different ideas, sure glad I'm not a new collector.
New collectors are confused I'm sure.
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06:07:18am
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
"Older stamps were issued without gum, in this case they are mint, there's no need
to state "no gum""
Unfortunately NONE of the major catalogues actually state every stamp that was issued without gum.
How is one supposed to know. You may know, somebody else may know, I don't know, who knows, is it you that knows, or does somebody else know, does anybody know who knows some one who knows?
Its all rather confusing you know!
"New collectors are confused I'm sure."
Of course they are, there is no complete authority in the stamp world and there are vast cultural differences within the stamp world. Isn't it FUN.
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re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
If a seller says they are mint, I do not make the assumption that it means that includes being never hinged (as issued).
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re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
"Unfortunately NONE of the major catalogues actually state every stamp that was issued without gum."
SG states in its main catalogues that "All stamps listed are assumed to have gum of some kind; if they were issued without gum this is stated."
For example, this statement is in both Parts 1 (Commonwealth & Empire) and 2 (Austria & Hungary).
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02:48:14pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
"if they were issued without gum this is stated.""
I don't think on my 60 years of stamp collecting have I ever came across an actual entry in a catalogue stating it was issued without gum.
Of course I have never gone through all 60 of Stanley Gibbons catalogues in finite detail.
Gibbons' Stamps of the World catalogue definitely does not mention if an item is gummed or not. They don't even give you the different Watermark options.
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Back when I had a bunch! I think, therefore I am - I think! Descartes, sort of!
09 May 2025
03:23:01pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
I know this is probably an example that everyone is familiar with but the special Farley printings in the mid 1930's were issued without gum and it is mentioned in Scott's, US #'s 752 - 771. I can't think of another example at the moment but I bet there were several.
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03:50:07pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
You are positively without any doubt correct sir. Well said.
Jeremy
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re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
A few examples from the Indian States of stamps issued without gum:
Bamra SG 1-40
Barwani SG 1-31
Bhopal SG 1-99
Bhor SG 1-3
Bundi SG 1-17
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05:57:17pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
I stand corrected.
Isn't it great that folkies actually know these obscure facts.
Or have spent monies to purchase one of the 54 specialized Gibbons catalogues.
Hands up those that have a copy of all 54.
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Back when I had a bunch! I think, therefore I am - I think! Descartes, sort of!
09 May 2025
06:00:11pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
"Isn't it great that folkies actually know these obscure facts."
What I mentioned is not obscure. Anyone who collects US stamps would probably know what I said.
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re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
was this a lecture?
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12:13:03pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
Only if you took it that way. It seems to me a few people have learned something. Especially those that didn't know about the Mint As Issued No Gum varieties. Thanks to the professors.
Jeremy
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re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
"was this a lecture?"
I think it was a tutorial!
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02:43:24pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
We should start thread titled. Philatelic term/acronym of the day. It would help those new to the hobby and those of us who aren't who suffer from CRS can't remember stuff. Those of us who afflicted with CRS usually have a serious case of CFS can't find stuff too.
Jeremy
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re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
CFS...I'm got it bad...almost terminal. Stamps aren't bad, but trying to seize 3mm deadeyes to a shroud is another story. You have to find the deadeye first.
It was more the tone that led to my question.
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Back when I had a bunch! I think, therefore I am - I think! Descartes, sort of!
10 May 2025
05:16:48pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
"CRS CFS ????"
I hate acronyms, what in heck are you people talking about???
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re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
@Joe, if you look at Sarges post a couple above, he does explain (sort of).
CFS, can't find stuff.
CRS, can't remember stuff.
But I agree, too many acronyms these days, is it just that people have got lazy or do they really not know the words.
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re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
Glad you don't have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CRS)
I'd rather have cant find stuff!
I know a guy in my stamp club who has it...
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Back when I had a bunch! I think, therefore I am - I think! Descartes, sort of!
10 May 2025
06:02:25pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
"CFS, can't find stuff.
CRS, can't remember stuff."
Thanks for that - I really should have re-read the entire post. TLIG = too lazy I guess!
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07:04:57pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
It happens. Just a little humor to lighten the mood.
Jeremy
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07:45:09pm
re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
Ok ladies and gentlemen! Here is another acronym for the sake of this thread CHS. My wife says I have a bad case of it. CHS = CANT HEAR STUFF!!! The word stuff is a substitute for a vulgar word. I think that you all smart enough to figure it out.
The point is Philately is full of acronym's that have been lost to translation and we often take for granted. Most people who are seasoned philatelist's take it for granted that the acronyms are understood. But new generations to the hobby and even older ones have forgotten the fundamentals of the hobby. So here we are with threads like this one.
Have a great rest of the day. That is just a little food for thought.
Jeremy
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re: Is an unused stamp mint or used?
The Indians have a cure for CHS.
Spread fresh dog by product over yourself. It's claimed after all day, this works wonders.
Don't tell your wife I suggested this!
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