"Back Numbers" On Used US Stamps (Coil)

Hi,

I recently read a bit about PNCs, back numbers etc. Since I am collecting back numbers on used German stamps, I would like to do the same with US stamps. However, I don't really know if this will work. The self-adhesive stamps sometimes seem to defy any means to get them off the postcards/letters.

With most German/Swiss coil stamps, you can check against a bright source of light if there is a worthwhile back number on the stamp. If you find one, you can use stuff like a 1/20-1/25 mixture of detergent/water or something like "UHU/Prinz Stamp Remover" applied to the back of the envelope etc., wait a little and pull the stamp off - leaving most of the gum intact including the "precious" back number.

Would this method work with used US stamps or is there no way to get the back number safely off the paper?

I'm afrain the post office isn't goint to make anything easy any more.

There was a thread on here about these numbers a small time ago. I think it is a hit or miss, luck of the draw kind of thing.

Some here do collect them.