New Collector

I am a new collector from Jacksonville, FL. I recently had a huge stamp collection given to me. I have a lot of used stamps hinged in my stamp book. Question for the professionals, should I unhinge the stamp and put them in mounts. I am still new and learning and would appreciate some expertise.

2 SCF if your collection is hinged and the hinge is easy to be removed with out tearing than just list them as hinged ,if not you can make a attempt to mounts if you feel comfortable with that ,preservation is the key, but someone one else will advice U.

Welcome to SCF!
For some good advice, I suggest you post your question in the main part of the forum, or use the search function to find older threads which have discussed the issue. Here's a good one

https://goscf.com/t/14756&SearchTerms=hinge
My personal view would be that if your collection is hinged, I would leave it that way, at least until you get into the hobby a bit more and are ready to make your own decision. Mounts are very expensive, and personally I think you could spend that money on some more stamps and other basic stamp equipment to get you started int he hobby.

Welcome to SCF!

Hello ankles3074, welcome.

Hinges are OK for used stamps. Mounts, I think, are usually reserved for mint stamps with gum, expensive used stamps, or, if you haev the money, for all stamps. Your choice.

Usually they don't hurt the stamps, and can be soaked off in water (check for ink that runs with really old stamps 1930'snd before.

Don't soak mint stamps in water though.

Take it easy, take it slow if you can, there's lots of ways to collect and keep and store stamps, and display them for yourself and others. Depends on what you want to do at the time.

So, just enjoy things and do what you like to do. It's all good.