Unused Precancels

Is a mint, OG precanceled stamp considered used or unused? The following item (from my collection) is OGNH, but I'm not sure how to classify it ...

Rileysan

Scott C1 with New Jersey precancel

Used. Collectors of mint stamps do not have much use for precancels. Collectors of precancels do not have much use for OG. The only notable exception is bureau precancels where a small number of collectors are searching for them NH.

It is true that everyone is entitled to their opinions whether it is in agreement with my train of thought or not, but, from the scan in this thread, I would say that it is mint and NOT used. My reasoning for this is because the block is still post office fresh, 'as issued'.

When it comes to precancels, it is a different ball game. If the block in question had no gum, then I would agree, it is used.

My opinion of course <G>

Chimo

Bujutsu

Just curious as to how one would go about establishing a catalog value for such an item. Based on current Scott catalog a C1 single would be valued at $65 (MNH) and $30 (used); therefore a block would be $260 (MNH) versus $120 (used). However, in a precancel situation, most specimens are thought to be worth LESS than catalog because of the precancel.

I think you're correct on that line of thinking. Serious stamp collectors treat precancels the same as used canceled stamps. Even though a precancel stamp is in mint unused (with glue) condition, it unfortunately shares the same value fate as a stamp with a postmark overprint. Mint stamps can be used for postage today regardless of the vintage of the stamps, unfortunately precancels can not.

Frankie

These typically sell in the 10-15 dollar range, so the marketplace has spoken.

Interesting thoughts here.

I am not sure about US precancels but I know that for Canadian ones, collectors are expected to pay a premium for those that still have their original gum.

Here is a small quote from the "Standard Canada Precancel Catalogue - 5th Edition (2004) - - "When a stamp is precancelled, it is considered cancelled. Prices in this catalogue are for precancelled stamps without gum. Collectors who prefer stamps (precancels) with gum should expect to pay a premium over the catalogue value".

This was my reasoning for my previous post.

The thing about this hobby, and any other one I would think, is that you never stop learning. <G>

Chimo

Bujutsu

Things are different with US precancels. I collect them both and I have not seen prices materially higher for Canada with gum, even NH. Pricing for Canada precancels is less predicable anyway. They have a wonderful up-to-date catalog, but the marketplace is rather thin (improving in recent years).

I had a dealer tell me "They are unused precanceled stamps that cannot be used for postage", he saw my puzzled look and said "Go to the post office and buy a block and
ask them to postmark them, you would have unused stamps that are now unable to be used"