In stamp collecting, the condition of a stamp's paper and gum fundamentally dictates its market valuation. Understanding the distinction between mint stamps and used postal specimens allows collectors to grade philatelic material with precision.
Condition Classifications in Philately
- Mint Never Hinged (MNH): The gold standard. The stamp is in pristine original condition with intact original gum and zero trace of a stamp hinge.
- Mint Hinged (MH): Unused stamp showing remnants or marks from a glassine hinge on the reverse gum.
- Used with Clear Cancellation: Carries an authentic circular date stamp (CDS) that leaves the central design clearly visible.
- First Day Cover (FDC): Stamped on its official day of issue on a specialized commemorative envelope.