Mint Cancelled

Most Value of Sheet of Stamps – 1st Day Cancelled or Not?

Is a sheet of stamps worth more as is, or with first day cancelled postmarks? (assuming both versions are in mint, perfect condition).

In most cases, especially with modern stamps, the uncanceled sheet will be worth more. Here are some reasons why:

An uncanceled sheet retains its postal value, while a canceled sheet has no postal value at all.

A sheet of stamps in perfect condition aside from having been canceled could not have done postal duty. It would be considered as ‘canceled to order’, which is often the least desired state. They
are considered by many to be neither mint nor truly used. Most collectors of canceled stamps prefer that they are postally used.

Among used stamps, stamps with the first day of issue cancel are quite common. Even when on attractive covers or pages they often sell for very little.

Abraham Lincoln Signed Cancelled Check Dated 2-1-1860 PSA 9 MINT