Stamps2Go Category Guidelines

Stamps2Go has extablished categories for describing philatelic items. These categories will vary, depending on the listing type you are currently viewing. The categories for each listing type are described below.

Stamps, Cinderellas, Errors, Oddities, Sets, Mixtures and Postal History

The category describes whether an item is new or used, and the condition or existence of gum. It may be difficult at times for a seller to determine exactly which category should be used, so as with stamp grading, the buyer should consult the item comments, and view the image, for more details. Since an image of the back of a stamp is almost never provided, it becomes important for the seller to describe any defects which may exist to the stamp gum, or items which have thin spots or heavy hinging.

• MNH (Mint never hinged) - A new stamp with its original gum intact if it was issued with gum. If there are any flaws to the gum (other than a hinge mark, which has its own category), it should be described in the comments that accompany the item.
• MLH (Mint lightly hinged) - A new stamp with its original gum if it was issued with gum, but with very light marks that indicate it has been previously hinged.
• MH (Mint hinged) -A new stamp with its original gum if it was issued with gum, but with very noticeable marks that indicate it has been previously hinged, or a remnant of a hinge still attached.
• Unused -A stamp with no gum which appears not to have been used for normal postage. In other words, there should be no trace of a cancellation on the stamp. It will be difficult, if not impossible to determine if a stamp that was issued without gum should be categorized as "unused" or "mint".
• Used -A stamp which has been used as postage, as indicated by the presence of a cancellation. Note that cancellations by pen or hole punching are common on some types of stamps. It is also fairly common for some stamp issues to be overprinted for a specific use - these overprints are not the same as a cancellation.
• CTO (Cancelled to Order) -A stamp which has not been used for postage, but which has been pre-cancelled by the issuing agency - usually for commemorative purposes. This category is not valid for cinderellas.
• Mixed -If this is a set or mixture of stamps, and the category of individual stamps is different, select 'Mixed' as the category. This category is only used for Sets and Mixtures.

Covers

• First Day Cover - A stamped envelope or postcard issued and cancelled on the first day the stamp is issued. In many cases a particular post office is chosen to issue a stamp on the first day, and a special postmark is used.
• Cachet FDC - A first day cover that includes artwork on the envelope or postcard. The artwork generally commemorates the issuance of the stamp.
• Event Cover - A stamped envelope, postmark, or other document issued to commemorate a specific event.
• Usage Cover - An envelope or other stationery item, with or without a stamp, intended for some specific use (for example, postage due envelopes). Some usage covers may also be listed under the postal history listing type.
• Other - Any cover that does not fall into one of the above categories. Normal stamped and cancelled envelopes and post cards may use this category.

Fish & Game

• MNH (Mint never hinged) - A new stamp with its original gum intact if it was issued with gum. If there are any flaws to the gum (other than a hinge mark, which has its own category), it should be described in the comments that accompany the item.
• MLH (Mint lightly hinged) - A new stamp with its original gum if it was issued with gum, but with very light marks that indicate it has been previously hinged.
• MH (Mint hinged) -A new stamp with its original gum if it was issued with gum, but with very noticeable marks that indicate it has been previously hinged, or a remnant of a hinge still attached.
• Unused -A stamp with no gum which appears not to have been used for normal postage. In other words, there should be no trace of a cancellation on the stamp. It will be difficult, if not impossible to determine if a stamp that was issued without gum should be categorized as "unused" or "mint".
• Used -A stamp which has been used as postage, as indicated by the presence of a cancellation. Note that cancellations by pen or hole punching are common on some types of stamps. It is also fairly common for some stamp issues to be overprinted for a specific use - these overprints are not the same as a cancellation.
• Artist-signed - A fish & game stamp that has been signed by the artist.