If postage stamps have mouths, imagine what exciting stories they tell!
The journey of a tiny stamp begins when it gets postmarked by the postal service. When a postage stamp has been cancelled, it means that it has already been defaced and it can not be reused. Collecting used stamps is another way to enjoy philately.
Are cancelled stamps worth anything?
Yes. Used stamps have a value as a collectible even if they can not be used again in mailing letters. Most philatelists assemble a cancelled stamp collection because they are more rewarding to collect that the mint stamps.
When a postage stamp has been circulated but its physical appearance was kept intact, its value rises upon stamp appraisal. The value of recycled used stamps increases according to its rarity and beauty.
How do stamp cancellation marks affect the value of used stamps?
The types of stamp cancels plays a significant role on the stamp price. Stamp collectors prefer used postage stamps that are lightly cancelled over those with heavy postmarks.
The philatelic value of some postage stamps goes up if they are sold with a postmark. Good examples of these are the German depression stamps. Their stamp catalogue price increases twice if they have a visible stamp cancel.
How to start a used stamps collection?
The easiest and cheapest way to start a used stamp collection is by sorting out your old mail stash. Ask your family and friends for used letter envelopes that still have stamps.
Learn how to remove old stamps the right way to avoid damaging your postage stamps. Collecting stamps need not to be expensive as it only requires a limited budget for the stamp collecting tool.
Another economical means of collecting canceled stamps is by buying them in stamps kiloware, or bag of stamps sold by weight.
You can find them from charity organizations who are selling stamps for fundraising events. Used stamps for charity are usually a mixture of different stamps from other countries.
How to maintain my collectible cancelled stamps?
A stamp album is the best medium in protecting your cancelled postage stamps from dust and other factors that could cause deterioration.
A loose leaf paper in a binder could also be used in keeping cancelled stamps. Stamps are affixed onto the pages using stamp mounts or stamp hinges.