What Constitutes A 'Freak'?

It's funny, I think. I came back to stamp collecting about a year ago, after being away from it for about 30 years, and I've noticed something I think is weird.
I see, especially on ebay, a lot of what I used to see as just minor printing glitches being flagged as freaks or 'valuable mistakes'
Such things as minor registration problems or ink hickies (little spots created by dust on the plate) or even poor centering.
Is it my imagination? or is it that the market is trying to create rarities?

I'm sure there are ebay sellers (and others) who just want to make a buck and declare something a "freak" and put a high value on what is otherwise a very minor glitch that would ordinarily sell for no more than slightly above face value (if that). One example is what I recently posted about the new US Gregory Peck stamp ... a minor mis-registration of color that may be considered a "freak" by some, but "valuable" is an entirely different matter.

If you're interested in reading a book on US Errors, Freaks & Oddities, this is a good link (although a bit dated)...it also takes a minute or two to load, depending on your internet connection speed:

http://www.efocc.org/Resources/Segal/SegalBook.pdf

Thanks for the link wt1, I'll check it out. I have to admit it was your Peck thread that prompted the question, but it's something that has been bothering me for a while. I work in graphics, and these things are just annoyances, not ususally valuable.

From the U.S. Stamp Society Glossary of Philatelic Terms:

Where would a split overprint fit in? I would think using the definitions posted above that this would be a freak?



Thanks for your time,

Skilo54

Hi again,

I may also suggest that in 30 years many specialists have had plenty of time to evaluate and record small varieties and realized that some are constant flaws, making them collectible and more valuable that a standard issue stamp. I know that even the 2010 SG Brit Comm. Catalogue is out of date when you consider all the additions to the 2011.

I know some sellers probably add the word "Rare" or "Valuable Mistakes" to increase the traffic to their listings, but as with anything ebay the buyer must be alert and know what they are bidding on based on current catalogue information. Just because someone says it is a "valuable mistake" doesn't make it one.

When I browse ebay I avoid Buzz words like " Rare, L@@K, Valuable, Grandma's, and Attic". I also avoid listings with grainy or fuzzy scans/photos or no image at all. If a seller is too lazy to show a proper image then count me out. I have heard of too many people burning themselves by buying a listing without seeing what they are actually buying? You can't argue with a proper scan.

I am glad you have picked up your collection again jamesw! Maybe try Delcampe for a few purchases? There certainly aren't as many creative marketers over there!

Have a good one,

Skilo54

Hmmmm, it's good to know that my Kansas City roulette is considered an oddity.

Tomi
Thanks for the quote from the U.S. Stamp Society.

timbres667, you're welcome. Here is the link to the entire glossary:

http://glossary.usstamps.org/


Skilo54, I think you're being generous in categorizing those sellers as "lazy." I usually avoid their listings because I consider the inferior images they post as an intentional act to keep me from seeing the faults.

Thanks for the responses, and especially the link timbres. Very useful. I to have found on ebay that the buyer really needs to be cautious when looking at listings, especially in terms of description and shipping fees.
And I think you're right wt1 that sellers are trying to make a big deal out of minor printing flaws that a novice stamp collector might easily be suckered into believing is something really special. Caveat emptor as our Latin friends would say.

Does any collector know if the USA stamp on right, with Red buttons instead of Black was common with this variation. Received letters from that period had the left stamp button and eye colours.