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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,399 |
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Moderator
United States
4788 Posts |
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This morning, I've been drinking my coffee and reading over the ACTIVE topics.
Two discussions of particular interest to me today are the quality of centering on the 1/2-cent Queens and the never-ending debate of hinge v. mount.
So, here's my Poll Question:
Given your choice of two MINT stamps, would you prefer one with great centering but heavily hinged OR perfect gum with less than perfect centering?
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Valued Member
United States
107 Posts |
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
2941 Posts |
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Depends. Is the damage caused by the hinge visible from the face of the stamp? If not, I would usually choose the well-centered copy.
Unless, of course, it was an issue that is so rare MNH that its value MNH is several orders of magnitude higher than MH. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
1225 Posts |
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Less than perfect centering is really ambiguous. That could mean just off center to the design being cut in by the perforations by more than 2 sides. So, if you actually mean just off center, then I will always go for the perfect gum. If you mean the design being cut in on 2 sides, then I would go for the hinge. In all probability, I wouldn't buy the stamp if it were in either extreme.
Art
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A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. (The exact & entire wording of the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution) |
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Valued Member
United States
111 Posts |
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I think along the same lines as Art. Some off centering is acceptable, but if it really unbalances the stamp or runs into the design I pass.
In general I'll take a well centered version and allow for more disturbance on the back. |
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Moderator
United States
4788 Posts |
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I was trying to do a simple poll -- I didn't want to enumerate every possible grade, but I understand your distinction of perfect, good, or poor centering. You're right, it would make a difference.
KirkS |
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| Edited by kirks - 07/16/2011 4:04 pm |
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Pillar Of The Community
Canada
6525 Posts |
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I'd have to go with the centering as well, although as PostmasterGS says it depends if the damage/hinging effects the look of the stamp. I often consider a perfect gum as a bonus. Not really necessary, but nice to have. |
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Pillar Of The Community
Canada
617 Posts |
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Given I don't collect for the "monetary value" of the stamps, but the "appeal value" which only covers the front, I like the most centered and preferably lightly cancelled, assuming the hinging and what not doesn't generate a visible problem from the front.
If they are remotely close in centering, then the hinging takes precedence. |
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Pillar Of The Community
Canada
1227 Posts |
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Kirk started this poll after reading a thread about Canadian ˝ cent Queens. I am collecting MNH Canadian stamps and have three ˝ Queen issues and am hoping to get the rest in MNH condition even if it is somewhat off center. So it depends on your collecting needs whether to go MNH or M heavy hinged. I have a few other countries where well centered heavily hinged would be very much acceptable. |
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Pillar Of The Community
Australia
4031 Posts |
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I can remember reading somewhere that it was common practice for
USA collectors in earily 1900s to soak the gum off their mint stamps.
Interesting KGV. |
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Bedrock Of The Community
Australia
38679 Posts |
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Quote:
I can remember reading somewhere that it was common practice for
USA collectors in earily 1900s to soak the gum off their mint stamps.
Really  I thought I was the only crazy that believed in this. (and those unfortunates who exhibited their priceless collections in India in the 1970's who lost untold stamps to curling and adhesion in the Indiapex tradgedy) |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,399 |
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Posted 07/16/2011 09:34 am
