Why Doesn't This Benjamin Franklin 20¢ Have A 12 Perf?

Blazen,
Some of your posts are taken as 'push back'. In other words, rather than appearing that you are appreciative for the time taken to educate you, your posts can sound more like you do not want to believe that you do not have a rare stamp.

Heck, one of your posts make it sound like you would rather ask a random person their opinion as opposed to listening to the combined experience of many of the posters here.


The same thing occurred in the thread were you trying to defend the dealer who sold you the color changling as a rare color variety. But the truth is that only one of two things could have happened; either the dealer was making up a story or the dealer was unaware of a very common occurrence of this stamp. When this was pointed out to you seemed to push back.

This is a great forum with many good folks. Of course there a few grumpy people too but I think you will find that overall this forum as far fewer curmudgeons than other forums have. But your push back is why some folks stated they are 'done with you'. Your default perceptive on rare stamps should be just that, they are rare. When a dealer shows you a book filled with 25 cent stamps, assume that they have been already looked through and chances of finding a rare stamp is very slim. Of course look through them and have fun doing it, if you find something then certainly show us a image and ask for feedback. If the feedback has 'bad news', don't push back. Use the feedback to become better educated, use it as the first step to learn more about this great hobby.
Don

An interesting observation that has occurred many times is that stamp newbies/beginners start with the assumption or expectation that they have the most valuable variety of an issue in their possession only to eventually find out that they usually don't have it. On the other hand, more experienced collectors usually start out in the opposite direction starting at the most common variety and checking or working bit by bit on different details to see if it has the characteristics of a more rarer variety. However, it is this hope or hunt of finding a rarer stamp that fuels or drives the interest of both types of collectors. To me there is no greater pleasure in finding new varieties of an issue in an area of one's specialty and sharing information about it like a show and tell with the hope of encouraging and/or helping others.

Correct Jogil, as I have stated many times it is amazing how beginners see 2 catalog listings for a stamp, 1 being pennies and 1 being big money and they always assume they have the big dollar piece.

Thank you so much Kurt for taking a moment of your time with such wonderful explanation pertaining to the difference of a 515 and 515d. It also helps others who read the forum that may be shy to respond with viewing in a visual manner why one may came to this conclusion. Very considerate and impressive too.Even the most simple questions, shows how important one may learn about these stamps. Very grateful for your thoughtful.

To All that read my questions..please stop assuming that I must be thinking that each of my stamps are rare. That is not true....I was placing stamps that I know others may have questions about as well for a first time viewer.. Yes..Stamps are known as investments, but on a personal note, I don't look at every stamp for monetary gains. I have had rare stamps sold in US Auctions in past. That was an interesting
In this particular stamp, it was from one of my late Father's fun stamp books..The valuable stamp books are in safekeeping where they should be. I am not disappointed that it was not 515d at all.It has nothing to do about monetary gain. One thing I view the importance of someone to know the difference is that perf. 10 can be on top OR bottom with the 515..and or that why the reason I is only seen as a used stamp. I thought someone would discuss about precancel about it..smiles..Happy Labor Day weekend to all in the States!

HIRH

Who? Me? Nooooooooo.

care to elaborate???
What was the auction house??
What was the item??

i will say this: I have entered several Auction Houses in NYC area when I was available allowed them to view less expensive stamps without announcing my personal background. My motto is I want to see how a person is treated with less expensive stamps to meet them. Do they offer for a person to view one of their floor auctions? Do they send you to others to have them evaluated? Do they have an onsite specialist already on their premises? What are the costs involved? Have you ever been to an auction sale at all?

There employees had no idea who they were communicating with face to face. Every person that walks into an Auction House should be considered a possible future client. Seigels, Cherrystone and Hammer were very professional. Love that Cherrystone sends me emails always for their up coming auctions too.
A friend, a former professional baseball player, had dealt with many people over the years in his adventures. He saw a few of my stamps in past. He said do me a favor, contact a friend of mine. He said I just love these group of people..They are so down to earth and treat you so professionally. I really like them. They are great. He recommended Dutch Auctions in Delaware. I said okay for you I will do it. I don't mind about some of these stamps. This is going to be interesting..He said you are so sweet. Thanks! I hope someone else may enjoy having them. I was not aware about this auction house at all. I did view Paul Fraser website saying they sold rare stamps before too. I had a meeting with the Owner of the Auction House. I had 5 placed in his book that were circulated around the world..British, Canadian, and other world stamps. All were sold. I went to the live auction last fall. Sat quietly and viewed the auction occurring. I know I made some buyers very happy and I was pleased with the outcome of their services...smiles

That was just one of the experiences I will mention. Have a great day to all of you!
Best Regards!

two long paragraphs that stated nothing.
Please forget I asked.

Evasiveness is not just a river in Egypt.

I share your concern. I once met George Clooney but of course I keep it secret so not to affect the way people relate to me

My mom broke up with Mitch Ryder in order to date my dad.

I dated a Princess of Selangor before I met my wife.

I worked graveyard at a major hotel and spent six hours one night talking one-on-one with Johnny Cash. I also comped a room for Gordie Howe and his wife - 'cuz Mr. Hockey's money ain't no good when he's in my house!

Sorry, but that's all the name-dropping I have...

oh! oh! I nearly forgot... I had a boss who was married to one of Prince's ex-backup singers!

(for real) I was in the audience, in 1982, at a Stones concert at the
LA Forum ~ that literally booed (the then little known Prince-warmup
band) off the stage...

IF I may, as a new bee , I understand the excitement we get in thinking we may have found something
new or the rare stamp. That being said.
I do value and respect any and all responses. However, I do at time feel rather "smashed" by some
posts. But I take that as a lesson learned, and try to adjust my pics., post, and questions to make
it easier to get my point across. though I still do a rather poor job.
SO, I say to you all.. Thank you, I am learning alot.