Mystic Stamp Learning Hub

Learn more about stamp collecting, take a dive into the history of stamps, or get any questions answered.

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Learn About Stamp Collecting

Frequently Asked Questions

Stamp News

This Day in History

About Mystic Stamp Company

Videos & Booklets

Top Stories and Guides

Want to start collecting stamps? Want tips on maintaining your collection? Start here.

Learn About Stamp Collecting

  • Stamps to Haunt You This Halloween

    As Halloween approaches, some stamps capture the spirit of the season with eerie imagery and spooky themes. From designs that echo old legends to monsters that have appeared on the silver screen, these stamps can give any collection a haunting twist.
    Read More

  • Postal History of the Confederacy

    When the Civil War began in 1861, the Confederate States of America needed to build its own postal system from scratch. With Union stamps declared invalid in the South, the Confederacy rushed to design and issue its own postage.
    Read More

  • Mystic Stamp Company’s Approval Service Makes Collecting Easy!

    At Mystic Stamp Company, stamp collecting is meant to be easy, enjoyable, and risk-free. That’s why we offer our famous Approval Service – a simple way for collectors to explore new stamps from the comfort of home, with no obligation to buy.
    Read More

  • The Story of America’s Duck Stamps

    Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation stamps, more commonly known as “Duck” stamps, have been a cornerstone of American conservation since their debut in 1934. The program was born out of…
    Read More

  • Discover Civil War U.S. Revenue Stamped Paper

    Congress passed the Revenue Act of 1862 to raise money for the Civil War. This new act put a 2¢ tax on bank checks. While most paid the tax by affixing a 2¢ stamp to the check, Congress also authorized Revenue Stamped Paper where the stamp is printed right on the check, like this…
    Read More

  • The Roosevelt Small Die Proofs

    Roosevelt small die proofs are impression proofs of US postage stamps, painstakingly prepared by the Bureau of Engraving & Printing in the early 20th century. These proofs were bound into deluxe presentation albums, unofficially called “Roosevelt Albums” due to their distribution during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency.
    Read More

  • Original Gum

    When collectors and dealers use the phrase “original gum”, they are referring to the adhesive coating applied to the back of a postage stamp at the time of its production, before the stamp was ever used.
    Read More

  • One Gift Card for All Your Mystic Purchases

    Mystic Stamp Company is excited to announce a new, more convenient way to give the gift of stamp collecting! Now, whether you shop online, by phone, or through the mail, the same gift card can be applied to any purchase.
    Read More

  • Stamp Designs Sketched by FDR

    Franklin D. Roosevelt, a passionate stamp collector and US president, played a remarkably hands-on role in stamp design during his presidency. He would sketch simple but imaginative designs and submit them for consideration.
    Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question that needs to be answered? You’ll find what you’re looking for here in our FAQ.

See All Frequently Asked Questions

This Day in History

Learn about the history of US stamps with a daily snapshot of this day in US stamp history.

Browse This Day in History
  • October 17, 2025

    Burgoyne Surrenders At Saratoga 
    On October 17, 1777, British General Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga – one of the major American victories of the American Revolution. Often considered the turning point of the war, it proved that American troops could battle a European army on their own terms and win.
    Read More