The Challenge of Look-Alike Stamps
At first glance, many postage stamps in a collection can appear completely identical. They may feature the same portrait, color, and design, yet belong to entirely different production runs or historical issues. To distinguish these subtle varieties, philatelists rely on a methodical identification workflow using specialized tools to inspect physical characteristics safely.
Before diving into physical measurements, using an app like StampSnap can help you establish a likely starting point by analyzing the visual design of your stamp. Once you have a preliminary lead, you can safely proceed with manual tools to verify the exact variety. This combination of digital assistance and physical inspection ensures a safe and highly structured cataloging process.
Selecting and Using a Magnifying Glass Safely
Because stamps are miniature works of art, many of their defining characteristics are too small to see clearly with the naked eye. Close inspection with a magnifying glass is a vital step to reveal the tiny differences that distinguish look-alike stamps. When selecting a magnifying glass, it is important to choose a lens that magnifies clearly and without distortion.
For general philatelic use, we recommend a magnifying lens with at least 5 times to 10 times magnification. It is also a good idea to select one that folds into a protective case to help prevent scratches on the lens. Always hold the magnifier steady over the stamp, ensuring you do not drag the lens across the fragile paper surface.
Understanding Stamp Perforations
Perforations are the small holes between stamps that make it easy to separate them from a sheet. While two stamps might share an identical design, they may have been issued with different numbers of perforations along their edges. Identifying these variations is a key step in determining the specific release or printing variety of your specimen.
In philately, perforation measurements are standardized by counting how many holes appear along a row 20 millimeters long on each edge of the stamp. Attempting to count these tiny holes manually with a standard ruler can be incredibly confusing and prone to error. Fortunately, specialized perforation gauges make this measurement simple and safe.
How to Use a Perforation Gauge
A perforation gauge is a simple tool designed to find differences in stamps. Typically made of cardboard, plastic, or metal, the gauge features different scales showing various sizes of perforations. Instead of counting individual holes, you simply align the edge of your stamp against the scales to find the correct measurement.
To use the gauge safely, place your dry stamp against each scale until its perforations match exactly those on the gauge. Never slide the stamp roughly against the gauge, as this can bend or tear the fragile paper teeth along the edges. Always perform this alignment on a clean, flat surface under bright, indirect light.
Navigating Stamp Catalogs for Verification
Once you have gathered physical details like perforation measurements, a stamp catalog serves as your ultimate reference book. Filled with detailed illustrations, catalogs help you identify and learn about your stamps. These reference books are highly useful and can often be borrowed from local libraries if you do not own a copy.
A standard stamp catalog provides essential information, including the date when the stamp was issued, a description of the stamp, why it was issued, and how it was printed. Additionally, catalogs provide the estimated value of stamps in used and unused conditions, helping you understand your specimen's place in philatelic history.
Safe Storage and Mounting Practices
After identifying your stamps, preserving their condition requires proper storage. Storing your stamps in dedicated albums or stock books helps protect them from environmental wear. While some commercial albums feature specific categories with pictures of the stamps, a stock book utilizes plastic or paper pockets, allowing you to organize your collection however you wish.
When mounting stamps in an album, always use proper hinges or mounts. Hinges are small, thin, folded pieces of translucent paper or plastic with special gum on one side, while mounts are clear plastic sleeves. Never use household tape or glue, as these will decrease the stamp's value and cause severe damage when you try to remove them. Additionally, avoid photo albums with sticky pages, as they will ruin the paper.
Preventing Damage with Proper Handling
The golden rule of stamp preservation is to handle your stamps as little as possible. No matter how well you wash your hands, natural oils from your skin will damage your stamps over time. To prevent this, always use stamp tongs to handle dry stamps during the identification and mounting process.
Stamp tongs look like tweezers but are specifically designed with a smooth gripping surface to handle delicate paper safely. Once you have safely handled, measured, and identified your stamp, you can log its details in StampSnap to maintain a secure, organized digital record of your growing collection.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure stamp perforations without counting them manually?
You can use a perforation gauge made of cardboard, plastic, or metal. The gauge features different scales showing various sizes of perforations. Simply place your stamp against each scale until its perforations match exactly.
What magnification strength is recommended for identifying stamp varieties?
We recommend using a magnifying lens with at least 5 times to 10 times magnification. It is also best to choose a lens that folds into a case to prevent scratches.
Can I use household glue or tape to mount my stamps in an album?
No, you should never use tape or glue to mount stamps. Doing so will decrease the stamp's value and likely damage the paper when you try to remove them. Instead, use proper stamp hinges or clear plastic mounts.
Why should I use stamp tongs instead of my fingers?
You should use stamp tongs because natural oils from your skin will damage your stamps, no matter how well you wash your hands. Tongs look like tweezers but feature a smooth gripping surface designed to handle stamps safely.