Stamp Value Calculations

How do the values in the Scott US standard compare to the USPS catalog and how are the vales calculated? Thanks to all!

Steven
New Collector
Mostly mint US Commemorative

I think the value data is pretty much in line with Scott US. In fact, I use it myself as an interim measure so I don't have to buy a new Scott catalog every year, although the USPS Catlaog is not nearly as detailed with the premium values described for sub-varieties, special cancels, on-cover items, blocks of 4, etc., which can be substantial for 19th century and early 20th century items. Of course, if you're looking at only modern stamps, it should do just fine.

In fact, if you look at the page (before ToC) in the USPS catalog it states in part: "...certain values...and the Scott numbering system are owned exclusively by Amos Philatelics..." Amos is the parent company that owns and publishes the Scott catalog, so that's their sources.

By the way, I mentioned this is another post that if you're looking for the USPS catalog and want to save a couple of bucks from the USPS price of $19.95, look in a local Borders Bookstore (or on-line). Although their price for the same USPS Catlaog is $25, they often have 33% to 50% off coupons (especially at this time of year) that reduces the price well below that from the USPS.

Hi Steven

Welcome to the forum. Why not introduce yourself on the "introduce yourself" forum?

As to values - there's only a loose link between catalogue values and what you should expect to buy / sell for - the cheap stamps are worth almost nothing, but the higher the value the less the proportional gap is between cat val and market price4. You can get an idea by looking at prices realized on ebay, or on the completed sales section in SCF.

I did not even know the USPS had a catalog.

Yep, I just paid the 19.95 for one. It is a slick publication, in full color with essentially the basic Scott listing of US stamps with values. I haven't compared the values with the values in the Scott specialized to see if they are the same.