Determining Value Of Non-First Day Covers

How is value typically determined for a cover that is not a First Day Cover? Is there a catalog specifically geared towards this?

I would assume the stamp would play the largest role, but that other things like the cancellation and the trip the letter took also come into play.

Appreciate any insight you might have as I am still very new to this.

-Hayden

A lot depends on the individual cover. Covers can range in price from only a few cents to several hundred dollars or more.

While the stamp itself certainly has some bearing on the price range of covers, so does the condition of the cover, the postmark, other postal markings, and even the name of the addressee (particularly if it is addressed to a notable person.)

There are also various postmarks known from a particular city or town that, depending on the scarcity, can impact the value of a cover. Furthermore, postmarks from small or obscure locations, even some from discontinued post offices that may have been open for only a short period of time, can also affect value.

I don't know of any single source to value such covers. Most stand on their own merit and are often valued by what a seller is willing to accept and what a buyer is willing to pay for the item.

Scott Specialized gives values for covers (U.S.) up to around the 1940's. Commercially used covers will always carry more value than Philatelic covers and then there are as mentioned quite a few things that can increase or decrease the value.

Thanks for the responses.

Stallzer - With regard to the Scott Specialized, I went up to the library last night to and was looking through the 2008 before I purchased one of my own, but the only cover information seemed to be in the "First Day Covers" section. Can you help me with where the pre-1940 non-first day cover info is listed in the Scott Specialized?

Thanks again!

I don't have my Scott's Specialized in front of me, but if my memory is correct, a lot of the older pre-1940 issues have a line item that says, "On Cover". So you wouldn't find it in a special section, rather in the standard area.

My Scott's Specialized is 2009 and it don't think it goes up to 1940. The 19th century is fairly well represented and Scott's really only lists the value on cover with consideration to the stamp. On the really early stuff they do go further into things with miles traveled, color of cancellation, territorial useage, etc. Mine is not in front of me right now but I remember Scott's goes through at least the Washington-Franklin series. To determine if the city adds a premium, there are separate books on that, by state. I know someone here listed a website once that had a listing of post offices. I don't remember if it had values. I can look for that tonight, but someone will probably beat me to it. I have pretty good reference material for Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois,and the Dakotas if you need me to to look up something. As far as other factors, I agree with WT1 it is so varied and really depends on what the market will bare. There are books and literature on just about any cover specialty, but I am not aware of any one book that will help you. You can always post an image here on the forum. Someone will be able to give you more answers than you knew you had questions for.

As Partime mentioned the value is listed in the individual Stamp section, not in the back of book. Once you get into the 1930's IIRC Scott states a value on registered covers. I didn't mean to be exact at 1940 as I don't have a catalog in front of me but I know it gives values into the 1930's so I gave myself a fudge factor. The one thing that can't be covered is multiple stamps on cover.

Thanks everyone once again for the quick responses...this is just what I needed.

Pjsstamps - I should be able to take you up on Illinois as that is where my Grandfather (the stamp collector before me in my family) spent many years of his life.

The specialized catalog keeps adding things so I assume 2013 has more than my 4 year old copy.

A few thing to consider about on-cover value.
1. The stamp must be a comtempory non philatelic usage. A 1880 stamp used in 1910 would not be a contempory usage.
2. A stamp on cover is worth more than the stamp off cover (same condition).
3. Condition of the cover is important; damaged, soiled ar toned covers are not worth as much as clean undamaged covers.
4. Covers to or from famous people may have increased value.
5. Many cancellations may add a premium.
6. Unusual origin or destinations may add to value.
7. Auxiliary markings normally add value.
8. Properly paid uncommon rates may add value.

Then there are the intangibles:

Are you buying or selling?
Is there something within it (perhaps hidden to you) that someone wants for their collection?
If selling at auction, is it with the right house, and will the right collectors see it?

I definitely need to pick up a set of catalogs, but the additional items to consider as well as the intangibles are quite helpful.

Seems stampvirgin is selling a set of catalogs in the for sale section this morning that would be perfect, however, being new I am unable to email a member, or post in the for sale forums. Where have you found the best place to acquire your catalogs? Went by Half Price Books yesterday and they have about a hundred coin books, but zero stamp books.

The best place to shop for used Scott Catalogs is ebay. Shop around, since price can vary considerably, and even more, the older they are. Stampvirgin's offer looks good. You might want to see what a set from the same year sells for on ebay.

For new catalogs, Internet Hobby Supply once had the best deals, but if you are a subscriber to Linn's or other AMOS publication, the subscriber discounts directly from Amos are hard to beat.

Another place to look for new or used catalogs is Amazon, though the listings there are for individual volumes and not for sets -- at least from what I have seen.

the BEST place for Scott catalogs is public library book sales. You can often find catalogs less that 10 years old for a buck each.

If any of you more senior members of the community want to poke stampvirgin with my interest...feel free. :)