"Back Numbers" on used US stamps (coil)

[George P.]

Hi,

I recently read a bit about PNCs, back numbers etc. Since I am collecting back numbers on used German stamps, I would like to do the same with US stamps. However, I don't really know if this will work. The self-adhesive stamps sometimes seem to defy any means to get them off the postcards/letters.

With most German/Swiss coil stamps, you can check against a bright source of light if there is a worthwhile back number on the stamp. If you find one, you can use stuff like a 1/20-1/25 mixture of detergent/water or something like "UHU/Prinz Stamp Remover" applied to the back of the envelope etc., wait a little and pull the stamp off - leaving most of the gum intact including the "precious" back number.

Would this method work with used US stamps or is there no way to get the back number safely off the paper?

Regards,

George

[philactica]

Hi George,

With amazement I read your post regarding German/Swiss coils. I have only experience with South Africa and SWA coils and they mostly wash off when used and collected mint normally.

If your German is good try this site and search, there could be some answers there:- http://www.philaseiten.de/cgi-bin/index.pl

Erich

[George P.]

Hi Erich,

Hi George,

With amazement I read your post regarding German/Swiss coils. I have only experience with South Africa and SWA coils and they mostly wash off when used and collected mint normally.

Well, German and Swiss - as well as other European back numbers from coil stamps usually wash off in water, too. What you need to do is just use a few drops of the detergent/water mixture (or the UHU/Prinz stamp remover liquid) on the back side of the envelope or postcard. With a postcard, you might need to thin the paper a bit if there is a non-absorbing surface on it. You would never want to drop the stamp in water - this usually washes off the number.

If your German is good try this site and search, there could be some answers there:- http://www.philaseiten.de/cgi-bin/index.pl

Yep, I can easily read the site - I am living here in Munich, Germany However, nobody seems to know much about the more advanced features of US-stamps here.

Regards,

George

[philactica]

Hi George,

Perhaps those interested can use your tip and will respond to your post.

Erich

[George P.]

I checked a US forum and got a little further. For those interested: http://www.stampcommunity.org/topic.asp ... hichpage=1

I hope this is allowed, but it helps those people who might want to know more about this issue.

[philactica]

Hi George,

I must point out to you that the link is mainly for US stamps in that forum which is good to get another perspective on US coils.

Also, I am of the opinion which I hope admin does share, that mentioning another forum in relation to some Q&A is good communication and in the sticted sense does not advertise that forum at all and only adds to philatelic knowledge.

Any restricted site, Country limitations or strained forum dialog inhibits responsible communication.

Erich