Define Mint Please

So, this topic was revisited once more. I will never want to look at anything that has the word "mint" attached to it again. Mint gum, mint ice cream, mint cookies, so many minty things to put away.

Donna,

notice inspite of temptation by my dear friends I have kept my mouth shut :)

OK Spock I will try not to pull your perfs!

sigh

deeper sigh

deepest sigh

DEAR BC

you only have one best buddy and it is me :)

From a numismatic perspective, a coin said to be in a "mint state" would be considered a coin that does not show wear on the most exposed surfaces of a coin. This term applies, though only to the natural wear that comes from circulation.

Other marks will not affect the mint state of a coin (though will reduce its value significantly). Among these are so-called bag marks, scratches, digs (particularly the marks made by the impression of edge-reeding on the face of one coin from the edge of another). These do not keep the coin from being considered mint even if they make the coin rather ugly and undesirable.

Coins can also acquire a toning and, if particularly mishandled, corrosion. Toning often is undesirable, though it can be desirable on a coin if it enhances the appearance (naturally-occurring iridescent toning is particularly desirable).

If I understand it correctly, the toning of a stamp is derived from oxidation of chemicals in the ink or paper and is never desirable.

yes lets get me banned from the coin forum also from this same thread. that will certainly be a first 2 forums and one thread. oh where is my dear friend t360

Emperor Spock1k, your loyal subjects are merely jesting with you because we know you have a great sense of humor!

But yes, we must get back to more important matters... stamps!

k

To a collector of Used there are used stamps and then there are the other ones, the UN-used.

To a collector of Pristine stamps, there are Pristine Mint and the other ones, the NON-mint / NON-pristine.

To a collector of stamps there is a confusing array of definitions and prices and oh, isn't that a neat / pretty / beautiful one? I like that one.

To a philatelist there is the history, the whys and wherefores and everything needs probably at least three or four terms to Properly Describe it and Historically Value it and appreciate the richness of it's aroma.

I am a nice blend of the rich flavour of a stamp collector and the intense but subtle flavour of a a philatelist. Everything is good, just describe the heck out of it. Or ask questions. But that's me. I like details.

I like mint... they taste good

Funny thing - stamps don't come from mints, coins do. I wonder how and when the term became part of stamp collecting?

But,...and may the stamp god forgive me here and not slam my fingers with a heavy stamp album, if one attaches a "gummed" hinge to a MNH stamp, how is that damaging the gum on the stamp? Wouldn't that be protecting the gum already on the stamp and enhancing it as well? If you put extra plaster on a wall, is that ruining the wall or building it up?

Okay, now if everyone would light a candle and ask for mercy for me because I showed that I had a slight bout of rational thinking, I would appreciate it.

Donna

P.S. I personally liked Stamperdude's definition, Post Office Fresh, takes the gum issue right out of there and it adds an acronym that is catchy as well, POF

Let's just have one category---Mint before being hinged or postally used. That seems to cover it.

as I said down with hinged stamps