How to collect unused booklet stamps

[tomd]

Ok, I have a question on how do you collect a just bought booklet of stamps from the United States Post Office.

1) Do you keep the whole booklet as is.

2) This section;



3) This section;



4) This section;



5) Used stamps in stamp albums are singles or block of 4; as in the case of #4 above

Any input, I am thinking 2 or 3 might be the way to go.

tomd

[khj]

Back when I actively collected US issues, I did collect both complete booklets and blocks.

So I would definitely have kept one intact booklet.

As far as the block, it's really a matter of personal preference. The 2 options I would have considered are not actually listed in your post.

Based on your picture orientation, my preference would be the top section that has a single block of 4 (backside liner has the UPC). That way I can use the other 16 stamps for postage and I have the nice label. Plate numbers really don't mean much if you aren't going to keep the booklet intact.

Some collectors don't like have an end block. They prefer the more "balanced" appearance of slits or die-cuts on both sides. In that case, you would want to go with the center piece. If I went with the center piece, I would keep both sides of the gutter intact so I could have the entire plate number and USPS copyright.

To each, his/her own...