I'll Soon Be Moving From Mnh To Mh To Used Stamp Collecting

Hi!
I collect US stamps thru to 1999. So far, well over 90 percent of the stamps are MNH. Those with hinge remnants are (of course)the more expensive issues.
Anyway, its obvious that fairly soon I will just not be able to afford or get unused stamps, and will then be looking at used ones.

I would imagine that most all collectors get to that point sooner or later, and I am curious as to how to determined when to pursue used stamps. Was it strictly a factor of cost, availability, or ???

Thank you!

Since I started off collecting as a child, there really wasn't an option -- used stamps. One of the first stamps I got was actually a mint stamp (foreign). Beyond that, I clipped every envelope that came in the mail (back then, almost every piece of mail came with a stamp -- PB meters were few and far between and there was little junk/bulk mail).

Then I learned I could buy mint stamps at the post office...

I have gone back to my childhood joy of collecting WW again -- so for practical purposes, the majority of that is used.

I do try to buy mint stamps for most of the countries I collect but I am not that interested in MNH copies; they are often too hard to find and too expensive. Once mounted, I don't look at the back of the stamps, so what difference does it make? I'm also collecting for me, not for anyone else, and the investment value means nothing to me as I don't intend to sell the collection. The used stamps of some countries from some periods are sometimes more valuable than the mint copies, so, if they come my way, I store them and slowly build nice used sets as well. The used stamps and postal history items add character to a collection, I think, and I get as much enjoyment from them as the pristine copies.

I collect primarily US stamps, but I'm not as picky as some collectors who insist on MNH or MH or even used stamps. I collect those stamps that come my way (mostly from mail or from friends who give me stamps) and, of course, those new issues I buy direct from the post office. If and when I find a better example that fits my budget, fine. If not, a used stamp will still fill the void.

I know this method of collecting isn't going to make me rich, but that's not my goal. I simply enjoy the hobby for what it is and I try to fit my collecting interests within a budget I can afford.

What it really comes down to is that since stamp collecting has no "rules", collect what you like, what you can afford and enjoy it for what it is -- a relaxing hobby that you can certainly learn a lot from!

Welcome, you will now find peace, you will never again be concerned with gum, unless of course you are undecided between Juicy Fruit or Double Mint.

So that's the point of your avatar, is it, Mark!

Ok, maybe I am in the minority here but mint stamps have never interested me at all. I started collecting at 7 years old. It fascinated me to imagine the travels the stamp made, who put it on the cover, how many people handled it, what methods of travel and who received it. I saw mint stamps as colored stickers that served no purpose. My mom really pushed me to buy plates blocks and mint stamps, which these days I use for postage. As I got older I got more interested in the types of cancels, usages and postmarks. These days I am much more likely to buy covers than individual stamps. Fortunately there is no right or wrong. Some people like a perfectly centered MNH beauty. I'll take the same stamp with a great SON or fancy cancel over that any day of the week.

i do not have a surgeons hands...mint never hinged are just too delicate for me to work with !!

I am with you K

Hi!
Folks, thank you for the insightful thoughts on the subject. When I got back in the hobby I was amazed at all the unused stamps available (esp. ebay) and the much lower than expected prices. When I collected as a kid and in my 20s, I could barely afford used stamps, much less mint. I spent a good amount of time yesterday scanning older cancelled issues on ebay, and frankly many of them looked really interesting.
Thank you for sharing, it is appreciated!

I collect it all, mint, used, faults, whatever comes along. If I find a better one I change it out.

Unfortunately (for my wallet), I have never seen a stamp (mint, hinged, used) that I didn't like. I accumulate whatever I can and one of these days, they willall be properly displayed!! I'm not quite 60, so I figure if I live another 70 or 80 years I should be able to accomplish that!

I collect mostly covers, but I do have a small US collection and I tend to pick up the MNH when I can, but on most of the very high value I just don't want to invest the $$$. Frankly I would rather pick a very nice looking used stamp with a light cancel than leave the space unfilled, or worse yet compromise on the quality.

Hi,
Well, between my last post and this one, I won 6 auctions on ebay for USED US stamps - the first used stamps I have purchased. All were decent examples of very early issues that have unused values way outside my budget. Gotta say, I'm looking forward to their arrival, and giving them a place of honor in the Album. Thanks folks, you made it easier for me to make this jump.

I primarily look for MNH stamps...however depending on price i'll opt for a MH...or "used" with a light cancellation mark.

I personally prefer used stamps. When I was younger and the stamp budget was small, I had to settle for used stamps. As time went on, of course I migrated to MNH and MLH as I was conditioned to believe used were somehow inferior.

Today I can collect whatever I want ! And I choose Used. In my opinion, they have much more character, a greater story to tell. One only has to look no further than the results of the recent Natalee Grace sales to see the powerful demand for fine Used stamps with nice cancellations.