Plate Blocks And Their Value

I'm new to stamp collecting and am trying to learn about the value of plate blocks. Assuming a single mint stamp is worth $100 what would be the value of a mint plate block of four of the same stamp? It must be more than 4 times the value of a single stamp. Also what would a block of four without the number on the edge be worth?

The not helpful answer is "it depends." Generally speaking, earlier issues are likely to have a higher premium than later issues (though many early plate blocks are of 6 or 8, not of 4, due to the size and placement of the imprint). The Scott Specialized catalog lists plate blocks (or, for a more detailed reference, the Durland catalog published by the USSS).

The Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue will give you the prices for singles, blocks, and plate blocks. See the example below.

Many modern plate blocks often sell near or below face value on ebay so I can only assume a dealer is not paying more than face unless they are interested in specific issue. Lots that include older PB's such as 1938 Prexies, Overrun countries, etc. and earlier definitely sell for more. I would use Scott as just rough guidance on modern material. If you go to a dealer who is selling a specific block or plate number, you will pay closer to Scott. Please note that any stamp in Scott on sale at USPS is usually listed as 2x face value. You will not sell it close to Scott unless someone wants something specific or they are not prudent buyers.

Example: US Scott 5092 (47c) EID issued on June 10, 2016. PB is listed at $3.90! (Face $1.88). The single is listed at $0.95.

There are exceptions to the post 1940 plate blocks. This 1950's plate block in my 2009 Scott specialized catalogs for $275.00

Hmmm. Somehow my 2nd post is missing. To repeat - if your stamp grades other than the catalogue's default of VF80, you can find its value on the "U.S. Specialized by Grade" pages (yellow edges).



If your plate block is other than VF80, I have developed a spreadsheet to ESTIMATE its true value. Divide the value given for a single stamp by the value for a VF80 stamp. Multiple this result by the catalogue value for a VF80 plate block.

Assume you have a MNH plate block of C18 which grades XF90:

C18 single XF90 value = $125
C18 single VF80 value = $ 85

125 / 85 = 1.47 (a single XF90 is worth 147% of the VF80 value)

C18 plate block of 6 VF80 value = $ 725

725 x 1.47 = 1065.75 = $1,066 ESTIMATEDvalue

Trying to determine market value can be a bit tricky. It is like saying, how much is my late model car worth? The Bluebook for your car value might range as much as many thousands of dollars based on many variables such as condition, mileage, options, etc.

Same for stamps, catalog values are like Blue Book values, a rough guide which may or may not be applicable. To be well-informed about stamp market value, you need to do discovery and research into similar items sold in the last year or so. This means searching other online selling venues* such as auction sites, dealers, etc.; going to shows, talking to dealers, talking to other hobbyists.
Don


*Note; do not spend much time studying 'asking' process but rather note actual 'sold' prices.