Packet

I need some input. I just opened a packet of stamps that I ordered 2 to 3 months ago. The packet was titled Belgian Colonies. One set of stamps were from Burundi. I realize that many new countries in Africa are really country's in name only. Reviewing the stamps and the catalog, the stamps are cto's and the listings for them are really pointless. Cto's are not stamps but propaganda stickers and revenue raisers. I would not have bought them if I knew they were cto's. HOwever, they do show the culture to a degree. I could diregard these stamps or mount them simply as a topical display. I do not consider them postage. I could talk to the dealer, but next I deal with him I would question him more closely about the packets I would be buying. What's some opinions about this situation? Thanks.
Joel

Newbie question: What is a CTO?

Cancelled To Order ,New stamps cancelled for collectors , they're still official stamps just never postally used.

I have alot of these stamps in my collection , I don't look down on them in fact I'm sure that it would be nearly impossible to collect sets of many postally used stamps if it wasn't for CTO's , alot of countries export stamps vs. making them available at their Post Offices and then even if they do most of the stamps face values are probably nuch higher than 1st class rate , don't know this for sure but I suspect it .

Joel, I know that many collectors feel the same as you about CTO's. I did not care much about them either, but like Jayelem stated they are real stamps and it would be hard to complete sets without them. I might add their value is lower then a actual postally used copy. The greatest valve of these are for topical collectors and worldwide to complete a country..

Enjoy
Mike

Mike,

I see your point and agree. I mounted this particular packet in a topical presentation. The subjects do illustrate the culture. Thanks.
Joel