Plate Block Values

I have a collection of some 200 or more plate blocks mostly commemorative stamps from the 1940's, 1950's, and 1960's. Are they worth anything more than face value these days?

With few exceptions, plate blocks of the 1940's through 1960's aren't worth anything much over face value. In fact, on the resale level, you'd be lucky to get face value, as quantities of these stamps can often go for a discount well below that.

Of course, if you have enough need for postage, you can recover your costs by using the stamps at their full face value for postage, but these days that can be hard to do.

Basically only good for postage. That being said there are a few that can be worth $5-$15 depending on the issue like the "Famous American issue of 1940. The higher value Brown 10¢ PB's of 4 catalog from $15-$35.00.

I was always curious about this subject too as a few found their way into my collection as well and have no idea of any value for them. One in particular is an E18 plate block. Since these was from the 40's should I keep them all intact or can I split them up?

I thought it curious that they sell for less than face even though they are actual Gov't issue postage? Wouldn't that be a kin to selling a dollar bill to a collector for less than face? Just curious?

My E18 plate block

ILS - I would definitely keep this one intact - in fact, I would keep any of the SD's intact. In addition, for stamp sets (such as the overrun countries set), if you have all of the pb's, you might be able to get a little more for them as a set.

ILS - That block would make a super cover even though out of date and even if you sent it back to yourself. It does have plate number and selvedge so should definatly garner more than face by several times.

ILS - Definitely keep that E18 as a plate block. Current catalog value (assuming MNH) is $22.50.

Besides, you CANNOT use special delivery stamps (or for that matter, special handling stamps, or postage due stamps, or certified mail stamps) for US Postage. Those stamps were only valid for the special delivery surcharge when that service was in place.

Not being an advocate of splitting up blocks the other alternative is plate singles which are highly collectible and desirable. Also for some strange reason I've seen the plate singles sell for higher than the plate block of the same stamp......go figure.

sfriedman39,

Welcome to SCF!

Before you become too discouraged and begin "licking and sticking" those blocks I suggest that you take some time and review the completed listings for US plate blocks on ebay. While many lots go unsold and others sell for face value or below, there are lots that bring a premium over face. Here is a recent example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-US-Four-...em46007a6d59

Steve

p.s. Jeff, the first page of a search of completed listings for PBs of E18 showed numerous sales in the $5 to $10 range.

Indeed, that is a desired collectible today. There's even the an organization devoted to just that sort of collectible:

http://www.apnss.org

What I think happened is that plate blocks fell out of favor with collectors back in the 1970's when you had many setenant stamps and multiple plate numbers requiring you collect entire strips of stamps to make up plate blocks. Stamps got to be expensive around then. Storage of these oversized strips became a problem for collectors. As a result, collectors revolted and the collecting interest in them dwindled.

Fast forward to the last decade or two when the BOEP no longer printed postage stamps but the process was contracted out to private firms, it created multiple varieties of the same stamp and as a result plate numbers (or other marginal markings) varied even within the same stamp issue, resulting in other collectibles. Also, when taking into account the high value stamps of today (i.e. Priority and Express Mail rates) it's a lot less taxing on one's wallet to buy one example of a stamp with plate number, than an entire block.

Scrap postage is reality for 3 cent through 10 cent,50-60% real deal, plate blocks,zip blocks, sheets don't matter Dealers are swimming in this stuff. ebay merchants don't want to take the time to count values to come up with postage and it takes way too many 4 cent stamps to come up with today's postage. Just my opinion, but if anybody wants to prove me wrong, I will you sell you MNH 4 cent through 13 cent bulk plate blocks and Zip blocks for %70 face in $100 face lots.

Agreed. But for those so inclined to "dress up" their mail, use one of the recently issued 29 cents Aloha Shirts postcard rate stamps with a block of 4 cent stamps and you have today's 45 cent first class rate.

It may not have much of any value, but it would certainly make for a nice looking cover anyway.

What an informative thread. I have been confused on this for a long time so I just leave everything intact.




It is M/NH/OG Also thank you for clarification!

ILS - if you decide to break it up, contact me first!

ILS I vote to keep it intact.

In my collection I recently came across 3 Plate Blocks of 4 of the Lindberg C10 airmail stamp. Most catalogs list it as Plate Block of 6. Can anyone give a me a clue what the Plate Block of 4 might sell for?