Question On A Specialized Collection With A Focus On #63

Hello,

This is my first post in the Classic Stamps forum, I've been collecting revenues for awhile but I'd like to start a specialized collection focusing on one stamp.
The stamp that I'd like to focus on is one of the workhorses of the 1861 series, Scott #63.
From the research I have done so far there seems to be a lot of potential for an in depth collection, quite a few trial prints/proofs, many cancels, and covers/postal history with many rates and mixed usage.
I'm familiar with how much can be collected with the other workhorse of the series Scott #65, especially cancels, and I'd like to know if there is a similar range with the #63?
I'm looking into this book: The United States 1¢ Franklin 1861-1867, by Don L. Evans, I'm sure a book on cancels will be needed as well.

What would be a good starting point?

Any suggestions/views are much appreciated.

Dear Neo R,

Excellent choice.

Although I tend to view single stamp collections as only being able to tell part of the story, if you are going to pick a single stamp, make it a low denomination like the 1 cent. That way you can collect all the various rates from 1c on up. Anything you can do with a three cent you can do with the 1c - just requires more patience. Lots of material available and Don's book is a good place to start.

Thank you for the reply Richard,

I figured I'd start with the 1c then add other stamps from the set as I go. I'll definitely pick up that book as well.

The Evans book is a great start - not just on the 1c, but of the entire history. As Richard said, with a low denomination stamp, you'll end up covering just about the entire range of possible classes/rates/destinations, as it can be all or part of any payment. Donald Evans did a great job of presenting the whole spectrum.

As a side note, Jim Lee - www.jameslee.com - also put together a specialized collection of the 1c 1861 stamp and is someone you'll probably want to get to know, as he understands whether an item is unusual or not.

Thanks for the reply chipg,

Yes, the many types/combinations of uses is what really made me decide to focus on the 1c . There seems to be a lot of interesting items to collect and study that will fit my budget which is always a challenge.
I've been collecting revenues off and on for awhile now and have always wanted to get into covers/postal history as well. I think choosing a workhorse stamp will make it a more realistic option.

Seeing some of the items on Jim Lee's site is actually one of the inspirations for starting this sort of collection. I assume he has more stock than what is listed on the site and newsletter?

NeoRev,

It was Scott #63 that started my interest in US classic issues as a eight-year-old. Be sure to look into the US Philatelic Classics Society as well (http://www.uspcs.org/). Lots of free info, and if you join for what is really a very nominal fee you get access to a great deal more.

Thanks for the reply dudley,

The USPCS website is where I learned of Mr Evans book, a great site indeed. I'll have to look into joining for sure.

The 1c 1861-68 stamp is an excellent choice as others have stated. I once started a specialized collection of only fancy cancels on that stamp, but gave up because the better cancels (such as the Waterbury pictorials) were way out of my budget range! I always thought that the 1c showed off cancels very nicely. I thought even more so, was the 2c (Scott 73/93) but ran into the same probem there with better fancies being too pricey, though I did manage to form a pretty decent collection of the 2c years before I tried just the fancies.

The beauty of specializing in one stamp is that to really cover the subjct, you need to get into postal history, essays and proofs, cancellations, multiples,etc The WHOLE range of philaelic material, and that is a very instructive and rewarding way to collect. Though it is not everyone's cup of tea!

Don Evans book is a great way to start and is very comprehensive. The Skinner-Eno book on fancy cancels of the period is very helpful too. There are others, but those two are important for starters.

Thanks for the reply Bill,

I agree that the cancels seem to pop more on the 1c

Really getting into all the different aspects of material and learning about this particular issue is something I'm trying to go for. I'm gonna take it slow, my budget will dictate that.
What kind of price range should I expect for the better cancels ?

I'll be sure to pick up the Skinner-Eno book to learn about the cancels.