After reading the article ... esp the line "'When I laid them out on the table and saw the one cent stamp I stopped breathing,' he said. 'Since then I have shown it to experts and consulted all the literature I can find about it." ... I have concluded that this collector doesn't have a clue how to identify the different types of grills. Additionally, the article is rife with misinformation.
It would be great if another Z-grill were discovered, so I wish this man the best of luck. However, if this turns out being a Z-grill, I'll eat my hat!
Quote: Minor differences in the minute details, such has types of paper and the types of ink used can have a dramatic effect on the value of the stamp.
Yes, on some stamps, but not this one. (I know of no shades and paper variety, anyway).
I say this is just the case of him buying the stamps, looking at some catalogs and deciding that every stamp he has is the most expensive variety produced.
I wish him the best of luck but I have my doubts. It looks like it's still on piece and to make matters wore a red piece which when soaked will probably destroy it. But then the accompanying image shown is on a black background so maybe it was a red mount? Unsure?
It's worth pointing out that this stamp looks like an authentic grilled issue. The lowest catalogue value for one of these things is ~$500 - making this a great find for $25. I'd really like to know what else was in the lot!
It is NOT a rare Z grill based on the Philatelic Foundation's examination, therefore no $3 million value.
The stamp is deemed to be a common F grill with a catalog value of $450, but worth much less secondary market value given its condition. In fact, the Philatelic Foundation says the actual value of this particular stamp may be $100 or less:
What a bummer......typical though as I'm sure we can all relate. That few moments of ecstasy when you think you've found the rare one, soon followed by the disappointment of finding out you just have another common piece...
Quote: That few moments of ecstasy when you think you've found the rare one, soon followed by the disappointment of finding out you just have another common piece...
Perhaps his disappointment was off-set by the 15 mins of fame he enjoyed due to his find!
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Posted 10/25/2012 3:51 pm
Sentances #4 and 12 were correct. 
