High Value Modern Era US Stamps

We all know that most modern era, non-error stamps hold little to no value above a small markup over face value.

I thought it would be good to start a thread about stamps that have a relatively good value, where we could post a picture and a fair market value based on eBay/bidStart.

What do you guys think?

Ok, I guess I'll start.

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Bugs Bunny Imperf Sheet

Scott Catalog Number: 3138



The 9 stamps on the left are standard die-cut varieties. The 10th stamp on the right is an imperf

On ebay they usually sell for $100-$150

Legends of the West 'Error" Sheet

Scott Catalog Number: 2870



The portrait featured on the Bill Pickett stamp is not that of the famous rodeo cowboy, but that of his brother Ben Pickett. Pickett's great grandson discovered the error. The USPS printed new stamps with the correct image for the general public and decided to sell the "error" stamps directly to collectors.

Average ebay value for this sheet is between $80-$120

You have some really neat and interesting stuff Andy! I really only see os read about stuff like that in the magazines.

USA Scott 3095b is the 32-cent strip of five Riverboats with interrupted die cuts issued in 1996. It is the first commemorative issued in the pane of 20 format and not in a booklet. There are fewer than 10,000 panes available and were the leftovers from servicing first day covers. It was on sale for one month by mail order. Thankfully, I bought three panes and have kept them intact.

The Harry Potter imperf booklets (from no die-cut press sheets) are selling for between $25 and $35 each on ebay. That's double to triple face value on a stamp that was released less than 8 weeks ago. It will be interesting to see how they sell in a year or two or five.

Amazingly enough, some of the most expensive and rare stamps in the past 30 years are the most used stamps, the definitives. Tops is the 18 cent Flag "from sea to shining sea" , Scott 1891 with plate number 6. A used single can bring $500.00, on cover $2000.00 and as a mint strip of 5 $3475.00.
Other examples are the 18 cent Surrey, plate 17 or 18, on cover $5000.00
Less expensive, but still pretty good for a 20 cent stamp is the 20 cent Fire Pumper of 1981, plate number 2. It can bring as much as $600.00 for a mint strip of 5.
All of these are coil stamps, used by the millions.
Other examples are the fractional, precancelled stamps, Some of these stamps come in varieties that sell for thousands, like certain gap varieties, tagging varieties, perforation varieties etc. Some very valuable coils are still found in kiloware and other collections.

Peter

I am surprised that no one mentioned the 1610c (the CIA invert).

Now, come to think of it, the USPS' next move would be to reissue this stamp, and pull a similar stunt as the Jenny.

While it is a good idea I don't think that they will do it. There just doesn't seem to be enough buzz about this one.
Tom

This is very true, which has always been a mystery to me. Numerically, the two inverts are equally rare, but one somehow gets all the attention while the other is more like a footnote in any conversation.

The Cal Farley, Scott 2934 from the Great Americans Series seems to be increasing in value.

I recently received 2 of the (high denominations) Waves of color used on a parcel. They are interesting for modern issues but lacking in creative design.