Sometimes I pick up worldwide covers just because I like the stamps (and the cover was super duper cheap). But sometimes I wonder if I should keep the envelope intact. I usually have no trouble deciding what to do with a US cover, but with foreign ones I second guess myself, so I decided to start a thread for everyone's "SHOULD I SOAK OFF THOSE STAMPS OR NOT" questions.
I would leave #4 & #5 on cover. The fiscal stamps used as postage on cover have sold better for me online. #1 and #2 are not even postmarked which is like a philatelic limbo for me. I try to avoid those covers.
In the past, collectors wouldn't have thought twice about tearing a chunk of the cover and putting it in water. For me it would depend on the age and attractiveness of the cover and my need (if any) for a separated stamp in an album. I have torn a lot of stamps from covers in my time!
I'm no expert but I suggest consulting a specialized catalog before you do anything. If I am looking for covers, I usually won't purchase anything where the stamp is not tied to the cover with an in-period cancellation. With modern stamps, I am always on the watch for covers with cancelled stamps. if no cancellation (frequently in Canada), they end up in the to be soaked pile.
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Posted 05/06/2017 4:35 pm
