Catalog Sheet Values

I'm finally getting around to doing an inventory for my stamps for insurance purposes - I thought I would be able to readily go to a source and find catalog values for full sheets of stamps. There seems to be values in Scotts when a se tenant is involved but I don't see much else for stamps from the 40's for example. Am I missing something?

This is typical of most US stamps as listed in Scott. The normal method in determining cat value of modern sheets would be to count plate blocks and singles, then add the total value together.

Same in Canada with unitrade. Have many modern full sheets although alot are in 16's so 4x plate block works but older sheets of 50-100 must have a premium. They should be double since they are so hard to store.

Insuring the catalog value of a general stamp collection is usually not recommended, especially since you would basically be ignoring the condition/grade of your stamps and you may be surprised to see how much "catalog value" you have in minimum catalog value stamps. Instead, the normal method is to insure your collection based on what you paid. Otherwise, you will find yourself paying higher premiums for what amounts to phantom value.

Not all insurance policies for collectibles require an inventory or scheduling.

I have an old 2009 HE Harris & Co. US/BNA Catalog. They list catalog prices for sheets, in addition to FDC, Plate Blocks, MNH and Used. The problem is their prices are often over-valued compared to Scott so it doesn't correlate very well.

For example, take Scott #978 as a common mid-1940's commemorative stamp. Scott lists the MNH values at catalog minimum $0.20 and plate blocks at $0.60. So using Scott figures, a sheet of 50 stamps has 4 plate blocks valued at $2.40 and 34 single stamps valued at $6.80 for a total sheet value of $9.20.

On the other hand, HE Harris has the plate blocks listed at $1.25 and the singles at $0.35, so based on that formula HE Harris' total comes out to $16.90, however they provide a separate value for a sheet of 50 at $12.50, which is about 26% below their single stamp values.

Generally, common stamps of the mid-20th century have minimal value and it would be difficult to justify a catalog minimum value multiplied by the number of stamps to be a true indicator of value, since they are so common and can be replaced at a fraction of the catalog price, especially in multiples as large as a sheet of 50.

I'm going to see my insurance agent Tuesday. Verbally I have been assured I can use a very reasonably priced personal items rider for my insurance policy to cover stamps, cameras, silver etc. I was told I would not need an appraisal, and I would not pay for one. Maybe I will bring in my 7 Scott catalogs and dare him to question my values! I also scanned all of my most prized stamps so I have proof of existence but I don't need to provide it at underwriting. Should be interesting.