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As for catalogs, the generally accepted one for US is the Scott Specialized Catalog of US Stamps. It doesn't come cheap, though, as they are typically $99 or so for new ones, although used ones are often marketed all the time on auction sites such as
ebay. Last year's edition is also available at some savings. Here's the link for their new catalogs:
http://www.amosadvantage.com/scotto...category=CLGMuch less in content, but also colorized is the Postal Service Guide to US Stamps available from the US Postal Service either via their website or at most larger post offices. Not nearly as detailed as the Scott catalog, but the $20 price can't be beat, plus you have the advantage of having all of the stamps shown in color with black backgrounds on one side of the page with the listing on the facing page, which is quite nice. The catalog values will also coincide with that listed by Scott.
https://store.usps.com/store/browse...sMusicVideosA cheaper yet alternative would be the HE Harris US/BNA Catalog available through Whitman Publishing. If you're willing to order last year's (2011) edition, they are currently on sale for $5 at this link. The 2012 catalog is also available at regular price. These catalogs are also in color and have the added advantage of listing Canada and other British North America entites. Unfortunately, the catalog prices are usually quite out of range with what most collectors deem accurate, but if you're looking to catalog the stamps, rather than worry about values, it's a price effective option.
http://www.whitman.com/Inventory/Br...tamp-catalogNone of the catalogs that I am aware of would photograph the subtle differences between stamps such as 1046 and 1046a, etc. All the catalogs typically use one primary photograph of the basic stamp and then list the varieties in the catalog entries.
I hope this information is of some help.
Posted 05/06/2012 10:24 pm
