Collector How-To Guides
Practical workflows for measuring, preserving, photographing, cataloging, buying, selling, and expertizing stamps.
How to Measure Stamp Perforations
Perforation gauge is the number of perforation teeth or holes in two centimeters.
Open guide →How to Check a Stamp Watermark
Watermarks are paper features, not printed designs.
Open guide →Handling Stamps Safely
Use clean tongs and support the paper rather than touching gum or perforations.
Open guide →Stamp Grading and Condition
Centering is only one part of condition; faults, gum, cancellation, color, and alterations matter.
Open guide →Using Sold Comparables
Compare exact catalog identity and condition rather than the same portrait or color.
Open guide →Photographing and Scanning Stamps
High-resolution front and back images reveal paper, gum, perforations, cancels, and faults.
Open guide →Stamp Storage and Albums
Stable humidity, inert materials, and good support protect paper and gum.
Open guide →Removing Used Stamps from Paper
Soaking is appropriate only for ordinary water-safe used stamps.
Open guide →When to Seek Expertization
Expertization is appropriate when authenticity, gum, cancellation, repairs, or a major variety materially affects value.
Open guide →What to Do With an Inherited Stamp Collection
Preserve organization before assuming the collection is either worthless or a fortune.
Open guide →Buying Stamps Online
Demand full scans, exact identity, condition disclosure, return terms, and certificate details.
Open guide →Selling a Stamp Collection
Choose between dealer, auction, specialist, consignment, or direct sale based on value concentration and labor.
Open guide →How to Read a Postal History Cover
Treat the envelope as an integrated artifact: stamp, rate, origin, destination, route, markings, date, and contents.
Open guide →How to Use Stamp Catalogs
Catalogs organize identification and provide relative value references, not automatic retail prices.
Open guide →Detecting Stamp Alterations
Reperforation, regumming, cancel removal, repairs, color change, and added overprints can transform appearance.
Open guide →Building a Stamp Collection Inventory
A useful inventory links each item to identity, condition, location, cost, certificate, and images.
Open guide →