FAQ – How do I calculate the value of mint never hinged stamps?

How to calculate the Never Hinged surcharge?
How to calculate the Never Hinged surcharge?

Now that you know how to grade the condition of your stamps, you may feel ready to either purchase or sell some stamps. However, if you are dealing in Mint stamps, there is another factor you need to understand in order to determine the proper value—the never hinged surcharge (NH%). This is a percentage to be added to the regular price (the value of a mint previously hinged stamp); this will give you the final value of a stamp that has never been hinged. For Canadian stamps, the never hinged surcharge value of each stamp is established and printed in the Unitrade Specialized Catalogue of Canadian Stamps and represented by the NH% symbol.

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FAQ – How to grade the condition of my stamps?

Fine or Very Fine?
Fine or Very Fine?

Condition grading can sometimes be very confusing as it is a subjective evaluation and even veteran experts may disagree on some points. The overall quality must be taken into consideration before a grade can be determined. Many points must be examined in detail, both front and back, before a conclusion can be made. A close study of the centering, the perforations, the cancellation and the paper must be made in order to determine the presence of any hidden flaws.  A very fine appearing stamp may under close examination be downgraded to fine or even to defect.  This knowledge is necessary and very important as the grading of a stamp will dramatically influence the price of a stamp.

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New 2011 Canadian stamps feature Xmas stained glass

Xmas stained glass stamp
Xmas stained glass stamp

On November 1st, 2011, Canada Post began issuing three new stamps as part of its Christmas 2011 series. This year’s theme for the new stamps is ‘Stained Glass’. The craft of colouring glass goes back to ancient times. In ancient Egypt, colouring glass was used to make beads and jewelery, as well as ornamental and decorative pieces. The ancient Romans are also known to have manufactured coloured glass; some of these artifacts can still be viewed in various museums.

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New 2011 Canadian stamp featuring Christmas holly

2011 Xmas holly stamp
2011 Xmas holly stamp

On November 1st, 2011, Canada Post began issuing a new stamp in its Christmas series featuring ‘Holly’. This plant, with its pointy green leaves and bright, red berries is a popular decoration during this winter holiday. The stamp depicts a highly coloured, red and green holly plant against a snowy background.

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