Compared
Stamp Comparisons: Telling Them Apart
Much of stamp collecting comes down to telling two similar things apart: a Penny Black from a Penny Red, a definitive from a commemorative, mint from used, hinges from mounts, catalogue value from market value. This page gathers our side-by-side comparisons in one place, each explaining the difference plainly and helping you decide or identify with confidence. Choose the comparison you need below.
At a glance
Much of stamp collecting comes down to telling two similar things apart: a Penny Black from a Penny Red, a definitive from a commemorative, mint from used, hinges from mounts, catalogue value from market value.
This page gathers our side-by-side comparisons in one place, each explaining the difference plainly and helping you decide or identify with confidence. Choose the comparison you need below.
Identification comparisons
What is it?
Telling stamps apart
Stamp type comparisons
Which kind of stamp?
The main kinds compared
Care and condition comparisons
Looking after and grading
Care and condition
Value and selling comparisons
Worth, and how to sell
Value and selling
Using these comparisons
Decide or identify with confidence
Each comparison sets the two side by side, explains the difference plainly, and helps you decide or identify. Together they cover the questions collectors most often ask, from telling two stamps apart to choosing how to mount or sell them. If you cannot find the comparison you need, our glossary defines the terms, and you are always welcome to ask us. Send clear photographs for a free, honest opinion.
Frequently asked questions
Mainly colour: the Penny Black is black and from 1840, always imperforate; the Penny Red is red-brown, from 1841, and exists imperforate and perforated. Our comparison explains in full.
A definitive is an everyday stamp issued over a long period for ordinary postage, while a commemorative marks a specific subject and is issued for a limited time. Our comparison explains.
Mounts for mint and valuable stamps, to protect the gum, and hinges only for used or inexpensive stamps. Our hinges vs mounts comparison explains why.
Because catalogue value is a guide, typically well above actual selling prices. Our catalogue vs market value comparison explains the gap.
Tell them apart, decide with confidence
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Founder and stamp dealerLast updated June 2026