Scott 151 Dull Violet?

The Scott 151 seems to be all over the place pricewise on ebay.
Can you shed some light on this particular one?

Thanks.

Yes.

Corner crease, what I suspect are filled thins and peer tip creases.

Centering is, IMO, F-VF.

Can you explain what filled thins and peer tip creases are? Thanks.
Does the cancel add any value?

The spackle jobs on the top half of the stamp. I'm sure he meant perf tip creases.

agree with Bill -- multiple faults with crease upper left corner, small tear upper right (perf extending to stamp), and multiple filled thins--
the rough areas on the back. (at least 5 or 6). stamp is not sound-- value perhaps 10$ or less. I liked your scott #1 better.
Reddish fancy cancel may add a few dollars if it was a sound stamp, but it is not.

Thanks, guys.

The red cross-roads cancel should actually add more value to the stamp, both by being a red cancel and a cross-roads, not very common - many fancy cancel collectors are more interested in the cancel details than the stamp condition, as long as the cancel presents well. I would expect this stamp to be more towards $15-20 to collectors.

Damn autocorrect....

Yes, PERF tip creases :)

Because of the F-VF centering and the better cancel, I suspect that if you clean up this stamp and get clear about real defects versus what we might imagine, then you may very well get more than the $10-15 already mentioned. If you are not an ebay seller already then you might want to consign it to an established seller for a better price (minus commission). With the right combination of potential buyers this stamp could bring as much as $30 if it was cleaned up.

To me the problems with the short perfs at top and the questionable blotches on the reverse (which might just be adhesions of paper residue) are of less concern than the trouble on the face of the stamp in the lower left corner. I hope the white defacement I am seeing is just an adhesion. If it is a scuff, then the game is over. I suggest that you soak this stamp and carefully remove all adhesions from both sides. However, if it would compromise the strength of the stamp to remove a repair, then leave it alone. While it is still wet, straighten out the one bent perf tip at the bottom. Don't try to do that while it is dry or it will break off sooner than later. After the stamp dries, consider erasing the pencil marks.

Improving the appearance by removing defects is legit so long as your description mentions all lingering defects. But it is not necessary to say that you straightened out a perf tip when you have already said it has some perf damage.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm not a collector and wouldn't trust myself to clean it up or try any kind of doctoring. I mention all defects in my ebay posts and provide additional photos if requested.

Thanks again!

Gentle suggestion, seeing this post and the one you have on Scott 1, your initial posts are unclear whether you are trying to buy or sell. I think what you are asking both times is: "I plan to sell this on ebay, what is a reasonable start-bid?"

As general follow-up, what you use as a start bid depends on your own selling philosophy. Some sellers use ebay as a retail-priced venue and don't expect real bidding competition, or use Buy-it-now. Others want to move the item and often start all lots at 0.99 or 9.99, etc., and let the market determine the final price. Some sellers want things sold quickly, and some want an absolute best price even if it takes years and multiple relistings.

What is your selling philosophy?

I guess I fall into the last group when it comes to stamps like the Scott #1 and the #17 I recently sold.
I'd hate to start at a really low price and have it go for peanuts. I used to sell lots of records and music collectibles on ebay. But I had a much better grasp of the interest and value of what I was offering.

About everything I've learned about stamp collecting is in this forum over the last couple of months. I have lots of mint (hinged) pre-1940 stamps from around the world. But I obviously don't have the time to scan and post them all. I've borrowed some catalogs, but I'm never quite sure I'm looking at the exact same stamp.

Sorry for the long answer, if I did indeed, answer your question.

Thanks for the help!

Paul,

I don't think it breaks the rules for me to ask, so if you don't mind saying, what is your ebay seller name?

I honestly don't know. Does it break any rules to list my ebay name here?
I try to play by the book.

Anyone?

If you take a look at any page on this forum there will be an ad from one of the members who is selling on ebay. Usually they also give a discount to any forum members. For an ad look all the way on top of this page! You have your 50 posts, so you are as legal as they come!

Peter