Looking For A List Of Rare And Error Stamps.

Collected growing up but never really knew how to look up what I had. getting back into it after recently inherited my Grandfathers Collection. Mostly 50's - 90's postage from the US, and World. A large stack of First Day of Issues and a some post cards. Sorted only by country right now.

I am certain this is a novice question, but is there a link to the list of harder to find, diamond in the ruff stamps out there that somebody could point to? The equivlent to what we call Key Dates in coin collecting.

Just looking for a good place to start as I am 100% novice in stamps.

mayflower

Given that most stamps in most collections are common, you may be better off getting to grips with the standard issues. A stamp catalogue from your local library would be the place to start. Or you can view images etc on Stamp World

http://www.stampworld.com/en/

How do you get a diamond into a ruff?

Geoff

there are very few rare stamps from 1950 till now, just start sorting, unused Us stamps can be used for postage so have some value. for learning this is my favorite place http://www.stampsmarter.com/1847usa/index.htm

Thanks. Have been sorting and searching online resources as well. A few are 1800s but I know that tons of the rarer stamps were reprinted over the years so it looks like I have a long winter ahead of me.




You drop it while golfing your ball into a sand trap?

For US errors you may want to invest in the "Scott Catalogue of Errors on US Postage Stamps, 16th Edition"

It is about $45.00.

Or you can check for an older edition at a cheaper price, I believe that Amazon has such.

Regards,
Stampalotapus

Awesome. Thank you!

There are different sections at the auction houses too that can help you look at different rare stamps that have conducted auctions in past. Eventhough you may have a stamp that looks the same as in the photos, there are special markings that makes it specifically to be rare For example,need to look for type differences, condition of stamp,if it is rare only with unused or used, variance of color, paper, printing perforations for measurements, water markings checked with fluid or other usage materials, dies determinations with certain stamps if necessary. Auction houses also have their past catalogues that may be able to purchased to give you an idea what the rare stamp may look like and description about it. checking against other readings about the specific stamp as well.
If you think that you may have a rare valuable stamp, contact you local stamp club or stamp show also see what they may suggest. Sometimes experts are there as well and can give you an initial assessment. Sometimes you be required to pay for their services too for more through assessment of the stamp. Philatelic Foundation website is also excellent.
Another thing you must be careful, you might believe you have a rare stamp and may be a forgery or cancellation from area that the average collector had no idea and not genuine. Some world stamps are notorious with those situations from different countries. The Philatelic Foundation have experts that conduct thorough assessments that determine if they are genuine. It can also get costly with expenses to determine for a very rare genuine stamp. I would highly suggest you contact qualified experienced known specialists with excellent background to look through stamp books and see what they recommend. The Scott Specialized Cats. tell you some of the stamps what is needed to look for with certain markings.
It is truly a learning experience with rare stamps.

P.S. Important to keep documentation too from any experts including their review..get their signature, date, official letter head if possible, and number with their write up and card to let the other experts know that the certain rare valuable stamps were reviewed especially if you spent cost to see them at their office. Make sure everything is legitimate. If another another expert have questions, they can consult with each other as well.

Mayflower2020, I guess from the above you can surmise that there really is no such list that lists all errors or all rarities. Well, not really true. Some of the specialized stamp clubs do have lists and / or catalogs that will show the rarities and errors in that particular field. Problem is, most of these clubs keep these lists for members only!

Peter

maybe it would easier to create a list of all the common stamps ! at least it would be the same order of magnitude

Peter, Unfortunately, not everyone can join clubs due to conflict of evening schedules with other important priorities. So,in these situations are not given that information of listings ect. I have been to stamp shows and never seen a list of any rare stamps given out to the public for information at all. They tell you to get Scott Specialized Catalogues, look them up yourself. Stamp shows are not even announced on TV local community stations for public in our area to encourage new collectors to come to events. I try to place around information a few myself and tell others to try to attend.
What would be a fantastic idea is that a pamphlet be created giving listing of local clubs in the state providing meeting time and days placed at local libraries on community boards. Community Organizations in different towns might be willing to help distribute when they are having events. If it is too much expense for clubs to create, make a flyer with listing with information, fax to local libraries so they can have on file. Not everyone lives in towns where stamp club meetings are held.

Blazenstar, I am talking about specialized stamp clubs. Not the local, meet once a month thing but nationwide stampclubs. The ones that issue a monthly newsletter either by mail or electronically. Stamp clubs of folks that collect perfins, precancels, FDC's etc etc.


Peter

yes..indeed..you definitely correct. "Only members" with the national wide clubs. They get special perks when they join with paid membership.

Stamps have so many differant areas that a person can go that it would be all but impossible to put it all in 1 list or book. you have to pick an area and start learning it. Now we have a small advantage in the internet that we can get some info free.
Knowledge can make you some money or get you something for your collection cheap if you see things in a lot of stamps that others dont know about.
You have to start at the begining and work your way into whatever path sparks your interest. The start is some kinda price guide, it can be old the values are all ove value anyway but you get an idea of whats good and whats not then get a perf gauge and learn how to tell watermarks.
Past this you decide what you like and its all research. The more you know, the more you realize you dont know.