Mnh And Used - Mounts For Both Or Just Mnh?

Hello everyone, I collected U.S. MNH and used stamps a million years ago and now that the kids are grown and gone and we're empty nesters, I have the bug again and want to get back into collecting. I just purchased the Mystic American Heirloom three volume set and pulled out the old Lindner stock book and have started picking up lots and singles of U.S. MNH and used so I can put them in the Mystic album and I am looking for advice as to whether to use mounts for both MNH and used or just MNH and use hinges for used. I do like a consistent look and would like mounts for each and every stamp, whether MNH or used but is it worth doing for used stamps of lower value? Thanks very much!

Used stamps look great in mounts in my opinion. I agree with consistency but mounts do come at a higher cost than hinges. If it is 1960's onward I'd hinge the unused stamps since there is no financial loss.

I use mounts exclusively. I've seen too many stamps thinned by hinges. My used stamps are just as important to me as my NH stamps. Also, album paper can be very abrasive to unprotected stamps.


Robert

to the Forum!

I collect both mint and used and only use mounts. I prefer black Showgard mounts. Black tends to show the perforations well and I think brings out the colors more than clear mounts.

It is, in the end, the collector's preference, so whatever you decide you want to do, enjoy it!

Again,

Thanks, everyone! I was leaning towards using the Showgard black mounts for every stamp, MNH and used and that's what I'm going to do. I appreciate the advice!

Welcome to the forum. +1 for mounts for both mint and used stamps. I prefer Showgard too, but the last few packages of strip mounts I've received have been junk; I'm not sure what's going on with their quality, but it's not what it used to be.

Looks great, pcerio, that's what I'm looking to do. Thanks!

I use hinges on my used stamps (US) and mounts on my mint stamps (US) but they are in separate albums. My WW album has both hinges for used and mounts for the MNH stamps but I don't like it. Can't decide what to do.

I typically use hinges on used stamps unless they have a high catalogue value in which case, as well as for mint stamps, I use lighthouse clear mounts. I use the clear mounts to avoid having the black background showing around some of the stamps on a page where there are both hinged and mounted stamps

andersoncaa,

For what is worth, I mount my MNH USA with black backed Showgard mounts. I use Showgard clear backed for the used stamps. I just didn't want to mix mounts and hinges in my nine volume Mystic Premium Heirloom albums.

Jack Kelley

I use clear mounts for mint and used. I can replace / upgrade from used to mint without dealing with hinges.

and also at a higher cost than many of the used or mint stamps! So the answer to the question is really all about the look of the pages and what makes you happy. When all's said and done it is your collection, and needs to reflect your taste and exhibit what you find satisfying

I pay 3c to 5c per stamp using stamp mounts for the most popular sizes
(Scott Mounts sizes 25 through 36 from Subway Stamp Shop at $5.19 per package).

Robert

angore,

If I had to do it over, I would do it the same as you.

Jack Kelley

Always black split-back mounts. And it makes no difference which ones (Scott, Prinz, Showgard), as long as they fit the stamp. They all look and work the same.

I use clear mounts for all in the specialized albums, and hinges in my "feeder" Scott international albums. Don't like black mounts, it makes the page too dark/overshadows the stamps. Just my opinion of course, my father prefers the black mounts so what I received from him is that way :)

And for ease of replacing/moving stamps, mounts are easier. Cost of course is a big difference.