Mixing and Matching

Wayne Kiser

This question is regarding mint v used stamps in a collection. I’ve been concentrating on a 1840-1940 WW stamp collection and sometimes I find what I need in mint or in used condition. Do collectors combine the two? I have divided my US collection into separate albums, mint and used but not for WW. What is the best call?

George DeKornfeld

In stamp collecting, whatever works for you is the best option. Personally, I prefer them separate as much as possible. My 1840-1940 Vintage Reproduction albums are strictly MNH (knowing I'll never get close to completion) while my Blue International is for used. I also have a Brown Scott Intnl pre-1900 (bound edition) I use strictly for stamps with SON or fancy cancellations. Bottom line....its up to you to choose what pleases you the most

Ted Tyszka

Absolutely, I will mix and match, especially if one or the other (mint or used) is unaffordable while the other is affordable.

Greg Doll

See it all the time...both ways. Whatever works best for you (and your budget).

Rene Bravo

Whatever you wish. Whatever you wish. In my experiences stamp collecting is an individual "art" and no two collectors do things exactly alike, although here are close similarities. Areas we usually agree on are nomenclature, standards of condition, value ( mostly) and identification. The rest is up to you. Have fun.

Phil Merrill_

I use Vario-type stock pages for most of my albums. This is very practical in some ways but not in others. I place just what ever I can get: never hinged, hinged, used, all side by side and identified by Scott number, year, condition, catalog value, and cost. I have been known to buy the same set in the same condition more than once just to get one full set with VF centering.

Only for my French used until 1960 do I keep a paper album. And, shoot me, but I use hinges. Fortunately, for most of them. I can put my hinge on top of the last one...