Scarce Precancel - Modern Stamp

Possibly the best Cape Hatteras precancel sold recently - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...3D&viewitem=

Wow, I had no idea that one existed. Something to be on the watch for. :o)

Interesting.

Are there any records to show just how limited the Honolulu, HI 835.5 precancel was on this particular issue?

In reading the seller's description, it suggests the catalog value of an 835.5 is $50 per stamp, but I understand that is typically based on rarity of the precancel type only; not on the particular stamp issue the precancel was affixed to.

Can it be assumed that this $0.02 block of stamps was rarely precanceled since it is commanding a price of more than double catalog value? Or is it just that the auction went overboard and the buyer elected to pay well over catalog value to get something he specifically wants for his collection?

Honolulu 835.5 is a special case among precancels. It was thought that one collector made about 100 different denominations when it was in the post office, but only one copy exists on each denomination. Therefore, state 'general' collectors for Hawaii [a very popular state], need every one for their collections - hence competition. The recent ebay offerings suggest that a second copy of denoms is out there and being sold. Since at least a hundred copies of Honolulu 835.5 are suspected in existance, even a 50$ catalog value might appear 'generous', but supply/demand dictates price. They have been selling for over 100$ on ebay recently.
There are probably no more than 2 of these 835.5 Hatteras's in existance.

I used to collect US Trust Territories cancellations, including precancels. I remember another collector telling me they will never have much value, since they are simple rubber stamps and very easy to forge.

In the Trust Territories / Micronesia - the only scarce precancel is Ponape, Caroline Islands - very scarce. The rest are rubber [vinyl] stamps and plentiful.