Mint

A mint stamp is one that has not been used for postage and remains in the condition in which it left the post office — uncancelled and with its original gum. The word is borrowed from coin collecting, where “mint condition” means fresh from the mint.

Mint Condition Terms

Sellers and catalogues use several abbreviations:

• MNH — mint never hinged: full original gum, undisturbed. See never hinged.
• MLH — mint lightly hinged: a faint mark from a hinge that was removed cleanly.
• MH — mint hinged: a noticeable hinge mark or hinge remnant.
• OG — original gum, without specifying hinging.

Mint Versus Unused

Terminology differs between markets. In British usage, “mint” traditionally means unused with gum, while “unused” may describe a stamp without gum or with part gum. In US usage, “unused” is often the general term, with gum condition specified separately. Always check how a seller defines their terms.

Mint Versus Used Values

Mint and used stamps are priced separately in catalogues. Neither is automatically worth more:

• Classic issues — many survive mostly used, because they were bought to pay postage. Mint copies with original gum can be scarce.
• Modern issues — often widely available mint, while clean postally used copies, particularly high values, can be harder to find.

What Affects Mint Value

• Gum condition — never hinged, lightly hinged, heavily hinged, regummed.
• Centering — how well the design sits within the margins.
• Faults — thins, creases, toning, short perforations.
• Freshness — bright colour and crisp paper.

Storing Mint Stamps

Protect gum by using hingeless stamp mounts or stockbooks. Keep mint stamps away from humidity and heat, which can make gum stick to pages, and from direct sunlight, which fades colours.