How to Identify Stamps

The hobby of stamp collecting can be enriching and educational if you learn to identify stamps. With proper identification of stamps, you will learn which specific stamps you have as well as their history, characteristics and value. Once have this information, you can properly organize your collection.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Identify and Sort Based on Stamp Features

1. Find the country of issue for the stamp. Many stamps have the name of the country printed on the stamp. Note that if the stamp is older, the name of the country may have changed. Stamp catalogs have country indexes in the back that will help with unfamiliar names. Identifying the denomination of the stamp can also be a useful clue.

2. Check the watermark on the stamp. If you cannot see the watermark with the naked eye, you will need to use watermark fluid (a highly evaporative substance which does not damage the stamp). Place the stamp face-down in the watermark tray and add a few drops of fluid, and the watermark will be revealed. Remember that not all stamps have watermarks.

3. Count the perforations on the stamp using a perforation gauge. This important tool measures the number of perforations every 2 cm of the stamp. Place the stamp on the perforation gauge and line it up exactly with the perforations printed on the gauge. Be sure to measure horizontally, then vertically, which is the order in which the numbers are listed when identified.

4. Look for other identifying features of the stamp such as cancellations, color, face value, design, date, size and special markings. Once you have a clear picture of the features of each stamp, you are ready to locate their numbers in a stamp catalog.

Locate Stamps in a Stamp Catalog

5. Understand that stamp catalogs are used to identify and categorize stamps. They provide information such as pictures of a limited number of stamps, issue date, printing process, perforation gauge, value of used and mint, and catalog numbers which are used when referring to specific stamps.

6. Use the stamp catalog that is appropriate for your collection. Several main companies, such as Scott, Stanley-Gibbons, Michel and Minkus offer worldwide stamp catalogs, while other countries and companies offer national and specialized catalogs.

7. Start by looking for the country of origin for the stamp, then the denomination or date printed on the stamp (if applicable). Next, match the design of the stamp to the picture in the catalog, but be aware that only a limited selection of designs are pictured. Identify similar stamps by matching the watermark or perforation gauge information to that of your stamp, and then find and make a note of the stamp's catalog number.

Tips & Warnings

• Stamp catalogs are a must for the process of identifying stamps, and they are often expensive to purchase. Instead, check the reference section of your local library for stamp catalogs.
• Many stamps can appear identical to the naked eye, but have very different values, so be sure to check for watermarks, perforations and other features.