Brandon, VT - Question About Value

Enclosing a scan of two Brandon, Vt precancels. Assuming that the left one is 471 (can anyone confirm it?), then both of these are cataloged at $10.00 each.

I can only assume that all values listed in the catalog are for pristine well centered examples. Is there a condition scale as to how value depreciates - similar to how coins are graded that affects its value? The 526 on the right is not in the best condition, so I know it's considerably worth less than catalog value - but by how much?

Frankie

Is that Vladivostok? I don't collect Russian.

??????

Are you sure you got the right forum Moonbird?

Frankie

Since Brandon, VT precancels are only known to exist in types 471, 526 and 703; the two examples shown are easily types 471 and 526 respectively. As with all stamps, condition is everything; the right example seems to show a tear at the "O" in postage that will negatively affect any potential value.

One thing that precancel collecting doesn't seem to recognize is the scarcity factor based on the denomination. In most collecting situations it is generally accepted that the lowest denomination of a common stamp (1/2 cent) would not command as much of a value as that of a higher denomination stamp in the same category, yet precancels don't seem to make any distinction. It would seem that there should be a rarity factor based on the less common denominations that may not have seen much use as compared to what a common 1/2 cent denomination would have seen.

In recent years, there has been a shift back towards appreciating odd denominations as desireable and worth a premium - sometimes a large premium. The 1/2 cent is not exciting, but it is missing from my VT general collection. The 6 cent is a nice denom - also missing from my collection. [presuming my checklist is accurate, maybe not]. As a shopper, I would say no more than a buck for the 6cent in that condition - but at least 5$ for the 1/2. The pulled perf and probable tear in the 6cent are visible from the front and distracting. My VT collection is lackidaisical, so sellers need to tempt me. Other buyers might be more interested.