Difference Between Mint And Unused Stamps ?

I collect US stamps. I currently hold scott #859-1580. I recently purchased the Scott US Specialized catalog in order to get current values for my collection and for my want list.

I am new to collecting and I have what for me is a curious question.

I have a database that I am using to enter all the data about each stamp I own. I notice in the Scott Specialized catalog that they simply have USED and UNUSED prices.

However, I noticed on web sites like Mystic stamps that when I pull up an individual stamp it has a MINT price, USED price and the mint price posted on Mystic's site is double the USED price listed in my Scott Specialized catalog.

When I went to the stamp dealer who I bought my stamps from, I told the person helping me that I wanted stamps in Fine, Never Hinged, MINT condition. As far as I can tell, I got what I asked for.

So, my question is, what is the true difference between MINT and UNUSED ? Or, are they the same ? It would seem to me that if there was a real difference, that the Scott catalog would indicate the MINT price separate from the UNUSED price.

Which dollar values should I use for my collection, My catalog, or Mystic's web site ?

MINT is a term used for coins not stamps. It has howerver been used to describe postally unused stamps.
They are the same in my book...

So, with that said, what do you think about Mystic Stamp's pricing structure?

They list a MINT price and an UNUSED price. See the link below for Scott number #859 on Mystics site. The MINT price listed is double the UNUSED price in my Scott Specialized catalog. So why the dramatic difference in price ?

http://www.mysticstamp.com/viewProd....asp?sku=859

Checkout this previous SCF link. Mystic's prices are way out of line with the market:

https://goscf.com/t/24760

Apparently the Mystic Stamp Co. has a decent business going in overcharging for material to (what I think) is some of the most vulnerable population (i.e. senior citizens, who often don't have the ability to use the internet effectively, and seldom do they get to stamp shows and brick-and-mortar dealers, where much better prices can be had.)

The Scott Catalog is a much more realistic guide to values and even at that, the prices are often inflated by 50% or more than what is typical to see on the secondary market. Also, be reminded that the Scott catalog prices for "unused" stamps are for specimens that are MNH (mint, never hinged) and in VF (very fine) condition, which is a grade above the condition that you have referred to in your previous post.

Also note that if you have a Scott Specialized Catalog for US Stamps, refer to the yellow listings toward the center of the catalog where they value some of the classic stamps by grade. The grade differential between a Fine and Superb stamp can be many times the value of an otherwise ordinary stamp.

Bottom line for any catalog is that the prices quoted are only guidelines at best and the true value of any specific stamp relates to the willingness of a buyer and seller to agree upon a mutually acceptable price at the point of sale.

I have a strong dislike for stamp terminology that tries to deceive the collector.

To the point I now describe cancelled to order as cancelled with gum. As to me it can be understood by a new collector. It is more universal or more an open description.

Mint means only one thing to me and that is MNH Mint never hinged MH Mint hinged MLH Mint lightly hinged. In Aussie much to the amusement to some of our northern friends MUH or Mint unhinged.

Unused to me can mean!

Cancelled to order with gum.
Cancelled to order without gum.
On a cover but never cancelled.
Removed from paper never cancelled.
Never used but lightly hinged gum.
Never used and never hinged gum.
Unused or never cancelled but regummed.

More than my 2c worth. KGV

Hi sjs94704,

Take a look at this site http://www.askphil.org/.

I believe it is maintained by the Collector's Club of Chicago. For a new collector, as well as seasoned one. it has a wealth of information. You may find most of your questions answered.

If you go to the "Stamp Terms" you will find the following definitions:

cto - stamps cancelled to order, but not used postally 
mint - unused postage as issued
unused - a stamp which has not been used, but could have a hinge
         or no gum 
used - a stamp which has been cancelled

Also, read the front of your catalog.

In the US a mint stamp is usually designated as:

MNH - Mint Never Hinged (as mint is described above)
MH  - Mint Hinged (as unused is described above) 
      This is further broken down to Hinged. Heavy Hinged, Light
      Hinged
CTO would be considered as MH. Some collectors consider CTO used or "wall paper".
Hinge condition has no meaning for Used.

In most catalogs there should be a description of the catalog abbreviations. As for a delaer, ask the dealer what he means by Mint, Unused, etc.. To be sure you get "post office fresh" stamps order MNH.


It is almost impossible to compare prices between catalogs. If you look at Scott, Mystic, Brookman or HE Harris US catalogs the prices for any one item is probably going to be different between the catalogs. Each publisher has their own standards for pricing.

Jerry B

Have been thinking on your comment wt1 and it is just so well written.
I just have to highlight this part!




Thank you very much for sharing wt1! Lots of great wisdom!

Mint has been a term used to classify a stamp for many, many years. My grandfather was using the term "mint condition" when I first got into stamp collecting in the early 1950's. I use mint condition in the same connotation he did - meaning pristine, excellent in just about every way - centering, perfs, color crisp, perfect gum, etc., otherwise I consider it unused. Obviously every mint condition stamp is obtained by the postal service, but I do not consider every stamp obtained from the postal service as "mint". Personally I like the term "pristine" over mint since I think most people have a clearer understanding of "pristine" than of "mint". Just my opinion.

I agree with Badge56, the term mint is only correctly used when it is describing coins, as it refers to the condition "as struck in mint". It has become a standard for stamp, comic and other collected medias, but until they start printing stamps in a mint, the term is being used incorrectly.

Mint to me means never used in the mail, never cancelled, original gum (if a gummed issue) not a regummed specimen and perforations (if applicable) in good condition. But there sure are a lot of different conditions that stamps can be in. This does not even begin to consider centering and certain allowable exceptions for age. To me the value of a piece of paper has always been how much it appeals to me. The condition may not even be a factor sometimes. - Just my thoughts.

I just spoke to a representative at Mystic Stamp Company and her reply to my question about why the difference between their MINT price and Scott Catalogs price, she explained to me that their MINT price is a "Retail" price that takes into account all of Mystic Stamp Company's expenses, such as rent of the buildings they have, payroll for employees, electricity, etc. Thus is the reason they charge more and are still able to make a profit.

She further explained that the Scott Catalog is a "Basic Value" and not actual selling price.

I can tell you one thing, MY stamp dealer I use uses the Scott catalog as a guide as to what to charge me. I will never buy stamps from places like Mystic because their prices are so inflated. I expect that whatever I pay for a stamp, then that is what it would be worth if I ever decided to sell my collection. It would be stupid of me to pay double the actual value of a stamp to only get half what I paid for it back at the point of sale.

Only if you are willing to take all the time and effort need to sell the stamp, and have the skills needed to sell the stamp at that valuation.

Most people get 10% to 20% (maybe more if the stamps are in pristine condition and are wanted by someone the dealer can sell to again almost immediately. Otherwise he or you will have to sit on the stamps for years probably, until they find a buyer.

The American Philatelic Foundation (americanphilatelic.com) offers this explanation on catalog values that seems to pretty well explain how "experts" look at catalog values:

The term Mint is used worldwide so I don't think it's going to be replaced. Different parts of the world use different terms on some things such as US sellers will state "Never Hinged, but Commonwealth countries state "Unhinged. Unused can mean anything. Mint with or without hinge, without gum, without cancel and even on cover unused as the term unused refers to the front of the Stamp, not the back. I wish there was a world standard, but there isn't and there are still some acronyms I don't know and one has to wade through a plethora of these to know what you're buying. MNH, MUH,MVLH,MLH,MH,MHH,MHDG,MHRG,MRG,MNG,MDG, etc......

I think people are a little too hard on Mystic. For a collector looking for a specific stamp, they are a good place to go. A lot of dealers don't carry the kind of stuff that they sell because there isn't enough profit in it. They mark their stuff up but you're paying for the opportunity to buy almost any US stamp on demand.

Imagine trying to fill an entire US album from ebay.