Most Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on October 10, 2014 by MysticStamp

Our Customer Service Representatives talk to hundreds of collectors each day.  Often, the callers have questions like these.  So we’re sharing the answers to these common questions here, hoping you find them helpful.

What’s the difference between the Heritage and Heirloom supplements? Mystic’s Heritage collection pages illustrate U.S. commemorative stamps.  The Heirloom collection pages illustrate both commemorative and definitive issues.

How do I remove the paper off self-adhesive stamps? Soak them in room temperature water for about 20-25 minutes.  Gently slide the stamp off the backing paper.  Stamps issued in 2008 to the present should not be soaked.  Instead, cut them from the envelope.

I received stamps from Mystic that I didn’t ask for and don’t want.  What do I do? Mystic periodically sends stamps “on approval” that we think our collectors might enjoy.  After looking the stamps over and deciding you don’t want them at this time, just return them and the top portion of the invoice to us in the postage paid envelope we’ve enclosed.

How do I tell the difference between a coil stamp and a booklet stamp? A coil stamp has perforations on either the top and bottom or both sides.  A booklet stamp has perforations on 3 or 4 sides.

What does “hingeless” mean? Hingeless pages have clear drop end mounts attached to them.  They’re convenient, saving you the time of affixing mounts.

How do I know what size mounts to use for my stamps? Mounts are measured in millimeters.  Just measure your stamps’ width and height.  Add 5 millimeters to each measurement, then refer to our Mystic mount list to find a corresponding size.  Or go to Mystic’s website and enter the stamp’s description or Scott number in the search box.  Mount sizes are listed on each stamp’s page (see the lower right corner of this image.) Screen Shot 2014-10-10 at 1.20.46 PM What supplies would you recommend for someone just starting to get into stamp collecting? We recommend our free Stamp Collecting Guide, your choice of mounts (MM500) or hinges (LS120), round tip tongs (LS150), magnifying glass (LS161), perforation gauge (LS130) and our Heirloom Album (M8104) for U.S. stamps or Voyager Album (M270) for worldwide issues.

How do I know what the value of a certain stamp in my collection might be? We suggest you go to your local library and look it up in the Scott Catalogue which is usually located in the reference section.  If you’re not able to find the stamp listing, contact the ASDA for information on a dealer in your area who might be able to examine the stamp for you.

What is the difference between an album and a binder? An album is a binder with the pages.  A binder does not come with pages.

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78 Responses to "Most Frequently Asked Questions"

  • By Dianne March 7, 2015 - 1:20 am

    What is the best way to store mint full sheets & plate blocks?

    Reply
  • By Don Matejcek March 7, 2015 - 4:39 pm

    I recently purchased your 2014 American Heirloom supplement and upon mounting the 2014 stamps, I noticed that the pages for the 2014 Korean War Medal of Honor, both the entire booklet and singles, are missing. Was this an error or other reason for not printing this item?

    Reply
    • By MysticStampLive April 7, 2015 - 6:53 pm

      This was not a mistake. Scott considers the 2014 Medal of Honor stamps to be the same stamps as the 2013 Medal of Honor stamps. Because the 2013 stamps and 2014 stamps have the same Scott numbers, we did not list them twice in the Heirloom album. Here at Mystic we have mixed feelings about this decision, especially when the subject matter is so important. In the future, we may review this policy.

      Reply
      • By Miss Michelle McNett February 5, 2019 - 11:21 am

        Thank you for answering this question as I also thought it was an error! I hope you reconsider this because, the stamps are not the same and where should I put them in my album?

        Reply
  • By Joseph Rivera March 28, 2015 - 5:30 pm

    I want to send you pictures of my stamps but, I don’t have your email address. Yours Truly Joseph Rivera

    Reply
  • By Sandra Winter March 31, 2015 - 5:37 pm

    Who do you trust to appraise and sell a stamp collection?

    Reply
  • By Larry Fletcher March 31, 2015 - 7:00 pm

    Dear sir/ma’am, former stamp collector. Seems to be a lost art. How could I increase the value of my collection? Perhaps a common theme such as an island country or air postal stamps? Was not encourage by a friend who tells me collecting stamps is not worth it. He didn’t help me as I still have an interest in collecting. Thanks, Larry

    Reply
    • By MysticStampLive April 7, 2015 - 7:34 pm

      Mystic does not promote stamp collecting as an investment, but rather as a hobby. The value of certain stamps and covers is based mainly on the law of “supply and demand”. For example, just because a stamp is old does not mean it is valuable.

      Reply
  • By Jordie April 2, 2015 - 4:21 pm

    Do you ship internationally?

    Reply
    • By MysticStampLive April 7, 2015 - 6:13 pm

      Please call 1-866-660-7147 and a Customer Service Representative will assist you.

      Reply
  • By James July 3, 2015 - 11:17 am

    how do you tell the difference between scott # 750 and 770 also 751 and 769

    Reply
  • By Patty Shelton August 4, 2015 - 3:26 pm

    I am not a stamp collector, however, my father was. I am trying to identify and determine the value of the stamps he left me. There are some 300 from mostly the early 1900’s, some used some not and nearly 300 from Germany, same period as well as the British Empire and elsewhere around the world. I am having great difficulty with Germany. Since there were not many with pictures here I went online and found a site with pictures but not values so I denoted the catalog #’s and came here to see what you sell them for. Unfortunately, the catalog #’s do not match. I would appreciate suggestions. Do you think if I brought them to a local stamp/coin store that I would get an honest evaluation or opinion? My father passed some 30 years ago, my family needs some help now so I was hoping there is some value in this collection. Thank you very much for any help! Patty Shelton

    Reply
  • By Patty Shelton August 4, 2015 - 3:32 pm

    Oops. The 1st 300 referred to are from the United States. There are also about 180 from the ‘British Empire’ and well, Europe, ‘Far East’ etc. These were entitled during a different era so it makes it extra difficult. Thanks again! Patty Shelton

    Reply
    • By annamarie October 16, 2019 - 9:53 pm

      i also have several different german stamps and german colonies stamps from 1940’s and i’m pulling my hair out trying to identify them!

      Reply
  • By Patty Shelton August 8, 2015 - 3:04 pm

    Is this something you would look at and perhaps purchase if I sent them to you? Hoping for a response. Patty

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp August 12, 2015 - 10:25 am

      Thank you for submitting your recent inquiry regarding the value of your stamps. We are happy to recommend a very good resource that you can access at your local library that will help you with identifying and finding a current value for your stamps.

      Scott Catalogue is a seven-volume set of reference catalogs filled with very detailed information. One of the volumes is called the Scott’s Specialized Catalogue. This catalog features extensive, in-depth coverage which makes it easy to identify and value most U.S stamps. Foreign stamps should be covered in Volumes 1-6 in alphabetical order by Country. Another source for worldwide stamps is the Kraus-Minkus Catalog. Both catalogs are great resources for stamp identification and value. Most local libraries contain at least one of these valuable resources.

      If you are considering selling your stamp collection, please fill out our form on Mystic Stamp Company’s Website at https://www.mysticstamp.com/Selling-Stamps/Tell-Us-About-Your-Stamps/ or contact our buying department directly at 1-800-835-3609 email: stampbuyer@mysticstamp.com.

      Reply
  • By Merle October 2, 2015 - 1:28 pm

    How can I remove the musty smell from antique envelopes without hurting the value of the stamps or envelope? Thanks

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp October 3, 2015 - 5:27 pm

      Hi Merle,

      Our first suggestion is to find some space in an well-ventilated, temperature controlled room. Lay the covers out on a flat surface to “air out.” The odor should dissipate or lessen in a few days, depending on the severity.

      If that doesn’t work, there are a few old tricks which can work. We suggest you test these methods on some covers you can bear to part with, just in case the results are not ideal. There’s a small chance these methods could have an effect on paper. So be cautious before using these tricks on your most precious covers.

      Wrap up a few pieces of charcoal in paper towels and put them with the covers in a paper bag. The goal is to make sure the charcoal doesn’t touch the cover. Close the bag. Check in a day or two and the odor should be gone. You can use cat litter and/or baking soda as odor eaters in similar fashion. Just remember to test first and don’t lay the covers directly on the litter, baking soda or charcoal.

      Good luck!

      Reply
  • By Karli Dye June 24, 2016 - 3:03 pm

    Recently have acquired three notebooks with first day covers for the 1940’s -60’s. Many of the envelopes are discolored even through the envelope is in a plastic sleeve. Is there something that can be done ? I assume this will decrease the value of each.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp June 27, 2016 - 2:39 pm

      Hi Karli,

      You may be able to lighten the discoloring by putting the covers in an airtight container along with a ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide and let the fumes interact. Check the covers every couple of hours, if no improvement in 6 hours, it probably isn’t going to work. We hope that helps.

      Happy Collecting!

      Reply
  • By CarriePine Daniel August 30, 2016 - 5:36 pm

    Is there any collecting value given yet to the 20-stamp folders of the past 20 or so years?

    I am old and am down-sizing— and can use any legal income!

    Reply
  • By margriet hecht September 12, 2016 - 1:43 pm

    Question:
    2006 lady Liberty & Flag (3966 and 3970) in your catalogue:
    What does “micro USPS” mean?
    How can I tell they are “Micro USPS”

    Reply
  • By Glen Goodrich November 30, 2016 - 9:18 pm

    Do you offer gift cards ?

    Reply
  • By Edgar Garcia January 12, 2017 - 3:01 pm

    Hello I really like the Moonlanding coin.I got two more coins review “on approval. Im pretty new to this and had a few questions. Is this a monthly payment service ? Or pay for what you keep and send what you don’t like? I send the payment for these on approval coins and can I keep em?

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp January 14, 2017 - 2:26 am

      Hi Edgar – I’m so glad you like the Moon Landing coin! To answer your question – whenever you get two coins “on approval” you would either purchase both of them or return both. When you send us your payment, the coins are yours to keep and enjoy. In a few weeks we’ll send you more coins to look at. You can quit the club at any time. It’s easy and a lot of fun. Happy Collecting!

      Reply
  • By Ken Graff July 2, 2017 - 7:17 pm

    Hi,

    How can I use my frequent buyer points?

    Thank you,

    Ken Graff

    Reply
  • By Rick G November 6, 2017 - 10:55 pm

    Can you tell me the difference between Item M8104 and DS111″

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp November 7, 2017 - 12:50 pm

      M8104 is the same album. However, it includes 100 mint U.S. stamps and 1,000 stamps hinges for free.

      Reply
  • By Keith Carpenter February 24, 2018 - 6:18 pm

    I have several stamps of Kenya,Uganda,& Tanzania Scott catalog 66-83 with odd perforations-I.e.13 1/4 x 13 1/4 instead of 13 x 13 1/2 which is in the catalog. Do I round up or down to match the catalog? Thanks.

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp February 26, 2018 - 7:49 am

      First, make sure you’re using a reliable perforation gauge. A metal or plastic one made by a reputable manufacturer is preferred, because paper perforation gauges can change over time. It’s also possible the stamp may have changed size over time. On thing to consider is a previous owner could have fraudulently changed the perforations to make the stamps look like the more valuable minor numbers. Here’s an idea: send in one of the stamps for a certificate of authenticity from the Philatelic Foundation. The results of sending one stamp in for a certificate will likely apply to all stamps you own. I hope this helps!

      http://www.philatelicfoundation.org/

      Reply
  • By Ron Surels July 14, 2018 - 12:39 pm

    What is meant by “silk”?

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp July 16, 2018 - 8:58 am

      Most cachets are printed, painted or drawn on a FDC. Colorano created cachets made of silk that they adhered to the covers.

      Reply
  • By Michael Rhodes August 7, 2018 - 11:20 pm

    I’m trying to understand “plate position”. On some full pages of stamps there are plate numbers on the four corners, and on the back a diagram of squares with one square blackened in with the words plate position. What do these mean? Using the 2012 Purple Heart as an example. There are numbers on the outer border B11 111 – so would this full page have four plates, the four stamps in each corner, leaving four extra stamps down the vertical middle? On the back the diagram has two rows of blocks five high.with the center block right blackened in. What does this mean? The diagram doesn’t even match the stamps on the front which are four high and five wide, not two by five. Thanks. Mike

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp August 8, 2018 - 12:42 pm

      The back diagram of squares you’re referring to is the position of that sheet on an entire uncut press sheet. The 2012 Purple Heart stamp was printed in uncut press sheets of 21 panes of 20 stamps (7 panes across by 3 down or 420 stamps). The highlighted box on the back of the sheet shows where that pane of 20 fell on an uncut sheet. Uncut sheets are then cut down in large stacks and sheets from the same position on the uncut press sheet end up being packaged together.

      Yes, the example of the 2012 Purple Heart stamp has 4 plate blocks of 4 per sheet of 20 stamps. Some specialized collectors might only collect UR or LL (upper right/lower left) plate blocks. Not all sheets will have a plate block in each corner but most have at least one.

      Hope this helped clear up your question regarding plate positions! Happy Collecting!

      Reply
  • By Ronald Witcher January 24, 2019 - 7:01 pm

    how do you tell difference in regular printing press stamps , prior to 1940 ?? and the rotary press stamps. ? there are many presidential stamps with different numbers but look the same., so I am guess the difference is printing press type .

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp January 28, 2019 - 7:48 am

      Rotary press stamps are slightly longer or wider than Flat due to the plate being stretched to fit around the rotary cylinder.

      Reply
  • By Patrick February 19, 2019 - 7:41 am

    What does the “v” mean with some of your stamp listings, i.e. 100v 500v 1000v ?

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp February 19, 2019 - 1:23 pm

      “V” is an abbreviation for variety. So 100v is 100 stamps. 500v is 500 stamps, etc.

      Reply
  • By Howard Lasseigne July 25, 2019 - 1:32 pm

    when was the us airmail printed. are they still printing them up to date,,,thanks

    Reply
  • By David Baylor August 1, 2019 - 11:21 pm

    My youngest son wants to start collecting using his older brothers American Heirloom Collection albums but they only went up to 2005. How can we purchase the pages from then until now?

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp August 2, 2019 - 10:33 am

      Please call 1-866-660-7147 (M-F 8 am – 6 pm Eastern Time) and a friendly customer service representative will help you out.

      Reply
  • By Mohammad Imtiaz Baig September 21, 2019 - 12:37 am

    Do you ship to Saudi Arabia and what mode of shipment do you use

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp September 23, 2019 - 7:29 am

      Yes, we ship to Saudi Arabia. We ship all foreign address orders thru the USPS. As long as its under 4lbs and under 400 dollars it will ship USPS international parcel. If it exceeds 4lbs or 400 dollars it ships USPS international priority. I hope this is helpful.

      Reply
  • By Rick Jackson October 3, 2019 - 5:20 pm

    what are EDU stamps?

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp October 7, 2019 - 6:53 am

      Earliest Documented Use, sometimes abbreviated as “EDU,” refers to the earliest date known a stamp was used to send mail. There was no official release date for all pre-1900 stamps. So collectors us the earliest known cancel to understand when stamps began circulating. Stamps and covers canceled on the date of the Earliest Documented Use are desirable to may collectors and specialist.

      Reply
  • By Red Hawley October 22, 2019 - 4:54 pm

    What is meant by ‘tagged’ stamps?
    Do used stamps have less value if hinged? Even if it is Dennison hinges?
    Thank you very much for the assistance

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp October 23, 2019 - 7:54 am

      Tagging of U.S. stamps was introduced in 1963 with airmail stamp #C64a. It helps the U.S. Post Office use automation to move the mail at a lower cost. A virtually invisible phosphorescent material is applied either to stamp ink or paper, or to stamps after printing. This “taggant” causes each one to glow in shades of green (red on older airmails) for a moment after exposure to short-wave ultraviolet (UV) light. The afterglow makes it possible for facing-canceling machines to locate the stamp on the mail piece, and properly position it for automated cancellation and sorting.

      Hinging used stamps generally doesn’t impact value. Used water activated stamps don’t have gum so hinging isn’t removing any of it. If you hinge a used self-adhesive stamp, you’re placing the hinge on the paper it’s adhered to not impacting the paper. The only time hinging would impact value of the stamp is if it thins the paper when it’s removed.

      Reply
  • By Raymond Gregory October 23, 2019 - 8:24 am

    How do I get a payment uistory on my club purchases?

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp October 24, 2019 - 7:35 am

      Club payment history is not available on the website. If you have questions please call toll free 1-866-660-7147 (M-F 8 am – 6 pm Eastern Time) and speak to a friendly customer service representative. They’ll be glad to help.

      Reply
  • By Richard LaChance November 8, 2019 - 4:05 pm

    I have in my collection, “Zip Code” Blocks and “Mail Early” Blocks cannot find in my latest HE Harris Stamp Catalog. Looking for two things, Pricing and missing blocks if any so I can fill the missing applications.
    ,
    Through the years we used to collect, but now can not find any reference.

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp November 13, 2019 - 3:44 pm

      Consider contacting the American Philatelic Research Library for more information. Here’s a link: https://stamps.org/services/library I hope that helps.

      Reply
  • By Ieleen Pharis December 26, 2019 - 4:44 pm

    I noticed that in the frequently asked questions on soaking stamps you mentioned any stamps after 2008 are to be cut off the paper. Could you elaborate a little? Are we not suppose to soak anymore which is all right because they are not wanting to come off at all. But then what is the best way to mount them? Still using the hinges? or mounts?

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp December 27, 2019 - 10:25 am

      Self Adhesive stamps should be closely trimmed from the envelope they’re attached to. Soaking does not remove them from the paper as it does with Water Activated stamps. Either mounts or hinges are acceptable as the hinging does not impact gum.

      Reply
  • By Dave Blue January 13, 2020 - 3:14 am

    Hello I.D. of 1900 wash.frank. tuff. Do you know of any apps.that pic I.D. it would make a lot less stressfull and save alot of good time wasted getting nowhere.

    Reply
  • By BOB NATION January 13, 2020 - 3:06 pm

    What is Fleetwood relating to first day covers

    Reply
  • By cecil January 27, 2020 - 4:11 am

    Hello. Do you ship to the Philippines?

    Reply
  • By Darryl Gould March 3, 2020 - 8:51 pm

    I am just getting started in stamp collecting and I wonder about the value of a used stamp versus a mint stamp. I know the mint is a more valuable stamp but is it okay to mix used and mint stamps in an album? Also do you still have a referral program? Thank you

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp March 4, 2020 - 8:35 am

      It is definitely o.k. to mix mint and used stamps together in an album. The great thing about stamp collecting is YOU can decide what you want to collect.

      Mystic has many ways to help you collect, including sending stamps on approval and clubs. If you’re interested, call toll free 1-866-660-7147 M-F 8 am – 6 pm Eastern time. We’ll be glad to talk to you about collecting and the best way to get started.

      Have fun!

      Reply
  • By Stephanie Langley March 10, 2020 - 11:38 am

    What is your email? Thanks!

    Reply
  • By Edward Feigel April 19, 2020 - 6:14 pm

    Over the years I have acquired a number of mint-condition stamps which came with selvage (?) attached, i.e., what you might find at the edge of a plate block — a plain white area perforated the same as if an adjoining stamp were attached, sometimes bearing a number. My question: should I mount these stamps with the selvage attached, or tear them off at the perf and mount the stamp by itself? Thanks to any and all who can help! Thanks.

    Reply
    • By MysticStamp April 20, 2020 - 9:55 am

      In most cases, single stamps are not collected with selvage. For example, stamps with plate numbers are usually collected in blocks or strips. However, it’s your collection. And if you enjoy the appearance of the selvage, then by all means keep it. Most collectors enjoy single stamps without selvage for a more tidy, consistent appearance. Collecting the single stamps this way will also make buying mounts easier. Whatever you choose, have fun!

      Reply
      • By Edward Feigel April 20, 2020 - 7:43 pm

        OK. Thanks!

        Reply
  • By tracy rose May 12, 2020 - 6:13 pm

    Will the mystic supplements pages fit in a Harris Liberty album? I need 2001-2006, 2011-2016, 2018-2020.

    Reply
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