US Classics For Submission

Please help. I have to send off a few US classic stamps for certification. I'm from Canada. I've never submitted before. The stamps could potentially be very valuable. Must I insure them? They are in approval cards within folded submission forms. Is this ok for submission? How do I get them back? I will post a few pics- hopefully I'll get some expert opinions here. Thanks in advance.

Hi stampcrazed. Are you planning on sending the shown stamps off? I do not believe there is anything of value here. If you have others, you could first post them here and we can let you know if anything is valueable!

Peter

I would send those anywere, maybe you should tell us why you think they are rare because I dont see anything of great value

All are very common and have obviously seen better days... It would be a huge waste of money to send them for certificates.

Here are their Scott catalog numbers and values:

1. (first photo): Scott #610 appears mint but in bad shape. Catalog value for a better centered and faultless one is 55 cents.

2. (second photo): Scott #632 with a Michigan precancel. Catalog value is 25 cents, which is Scott's minimum. This basically means it's monetary value is nothing.

3. (third photo): Scott #585, used with poor centering and overall quality. Catalog value for a well centered faultless one is 65 cents.

Hope this helps, and I again encourage you to not waste your money sending them for certs.

I thank you so much for your input. The reasons I think these stamps are valuable is as follows: 1st stamp - I think the bottom perfs and tip perfs are not the same. I assumed it was a rotary press perf 11 on top 10 on bottom - maybe it was the valuable Special printing? For the 2nd stamp - I see its not a rotary press. 11 x 11 but it does have an inverted precancel which tends to make stamps valuable - no? Upon further inspection I see the third stamp isn't much. I have a few other stamps I was considering submitting. I'd love your opinions. I'm a girl who is slowly learning the ropes. Thanks a bunch!

This one too soft porous paper - gray brown

None of these either....

They could be special printings. I've had a good look through the 2015 Specialized Classics Catalogue... Please if you comment please describe why you came to your conclusion. I would like to know why. I need constuctive criticism if I'm to learn. The Garfield is gray brown on soft porous paper... ...

stampcrazed,
I hope that you can accept my input in the respectful manner that I intend it.

Seven months ago you made a similar post: https://goscf.com/t/42770

Unfortunately, I don't think that you took the advice of others to heart.

You are not doing anything that is unexpected for a beginner. I have no issue with you again asking questions because the subject matter is not easily understood.

However, you have shown no improvement in understanding over those several months.

I wish to help you understand, but we need to start at the basics.

Please pick one of your stamps and describe it as best as you know how. Please include things such as printing type and perforation type.

If you do so, then we can help you improve from that point.

Sincerely,
Ryan

These stamps are all low value as well.

1. Scott #211. Used, with spots of toning and corner creases at the upper-right and lower-left. Catalog value for a FAULTLESS one with decent centering is $27.50. In the condition your's is in, you'd be lucky to get $1 for it.

2. Used Scott #178 or #183 - I'd lean towards #183. It appears to have a horizontal crease which runs across Jackson's forehead. Catalog value for a faultless and well centered one is $5. Again, you'd be very lucky to get $1 for it.

3. Scott #149. Used on piece (appears that it may have been previously stuck to an album page which someone cut in order to avoid harming the stamp. Notice the black lines at the top and right). Stamp has several faults, including short, toned and scuffed perfs, and a tear at the bottom. Looks a bit wrinkled in the top-right and bottom-left corners too. Catalog value for a sound, well centered example is $100. Based on past ebay sales, your's is worth about 2-3 dollars.

4. Scott #182. Used, with toned and scuffed perfs. Also, the surface appears to be a tad dirty at the left. Catalog value for a faultless one is $6. Your's is worth in the <$1 range.

5. Scott #205. Used with short perfs and what appears to be a tear at the top and a crease at the top-right. Catalog value for a sound and well centered one is $12. Your's is worth at the very most a dollar.

None of the special printings were used. I know, it's the dream of every collector that just maybe they "found a used one!" According to the Swedish Tiger website, only 22 copies are recorded (all mint with no gum).

Keep searching though, I have found several scarce stamps in collections I've bought on ebay for $20 or so. You just have to know what to look for, and always keep your eyes peeled.

Good luck, and happy collecting!

For the stamps pictured, condition would prohibit me from paying for certification.

Unless you think some are "special Printing" stamps. If so, the questions you should be asking are, how to identify soft porous paper.

I purchased a perforation gauge... That's progress from months ago. I've learned about special printings and why the stamps that look like mine - but apparently aren't ... Are extremely valuable. I still don't understand a great deal, but thanks to your guidance I will improve. I'm glad I came here first and keep checking before submitting. I've learned to move on to new stamps and investigate. I am naieve not ignorant.

Reasons I thought these stamps might be valuable is mainly their color...from referring to Internet sales - pics of prices realized and of course my handy new catalogue. Maybe not enough to go on. I promise there are reasons behind my stamp posting madness!

Cheers!

stampcrazed, Always remember there is no such thing as a dumb question in the philatelic world. Everyone is at different levels, and a fantastic way to advance your knowledge is to ask questions. I encourage you to keep doing so, and we'll always be here to help out. Fact is, I ask many questions myself. I'm definitely not an expert...still working my way up to becoming one. ;)

On the topic of 205C's vs. regular 205's, check out this thread from earlier this year: https://goscf.com/t/45047 I believe you'll find it very helpful and educational.

stampcrazed,
When doing discovery always assume that you have the most common stamp, not the rarest. Identify the primary attributes (perforations, dimensions, cancellations, etc.) and compare with the most common stamps for them. Trying to work the opposite direction by thinking that you may have a rare stamp makes it easier to fool yourself. Rare stamps are just that, rare. And when it comes to things like subtle differences between stamps we should always remember that extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof.

Finding uncommon stamps is a great part of our hobby but it demands emotional discipline and best discovery practices to prevent frustrations.
Don

A treasure hunter assumes they will eventually find treasure. The collection I am dealing with is immense. Walls filled with shelves top to bottom filled with books and binders FULL of stamps from every country and era. The active collector of this collection has no clue of potential value. I've been investigating rare and valuable stamps so that I might find one FOR HER and show her that a lifetime of collecting can and will be advantageous in her old age. I think discovery is personal and should have no rules. I am looking in a sea of common for something remarkable. I'm not getting frustrated. With your help I'm becoming more hopeful not discontent. Thanks again. More stamp posts to come!

I am jealous of being able to search through a collection like that.




That answer to my question helps me to understand you greatly. I have not yet found an Internet resource with truly accurate examples of color. For now, look for stamps with color that are very different than others of the same type. That doesn't mean that they are a rare shade, but does mean that you should explore the possibility that they could be.

Please understand that the color of many rare stamps such as the special printings are also shared by the common ones.

Please continue posting and asking questions. Do try to do things like gauge the perforations on all sides and compare design sizes so you can provide more context when you post. Adding context helps us to understand what you perceive.

Comparing stamps to online images of rare ones is useful. However, despite you finding similarities, learning to spot the differences takes significant effort.

I wish you luck. You may never find anything rare and very valuable in that collection. Hopefully at least you can help that widow (I assume) to better understand how her late husband's hobby brought him enjoyment.