How to safely remove stamps from envelopes

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 There are several methods to safely remove stamps from envelopes for collecting, depending on whether you want to preserve the stamp with or without the envelope paper:

Soaking Method:

1. Cut around the stamp leaving about 1/4 inch of envelope paper on all sides
2. Place the stamp face-down in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes
3. The adhesive should dissolve, allowing you to gently peel the stamp away
4. Place the stamp face-down on a clean towel to dry
5. Once dry, place it between absorbent paper under light weight to flatten

Steam Method:

1. Hold the stamp (still on envelope) over steam from boiling water using tweezers
2. The steam softens the adhesive
3. Gently peel the stamp away once it begins to lift
4. This method works well for newer self-adhesive stamps

I prefer the soaking method.  Once the stamp is fully dry, I place it in my stamp album to keep safely and admire!