1946 Australian Military Overprint Stamp

This was kind of an interesting experience. I had originally noted this block down as the regular Scott #M2 type without giving it much thought. Catalog value is about $5 per stamp. I saw there was a certificate of authenticity from the BPA in the envelope with it, but I didn't give it much thought.

Eventually I was rechecking my stamp inventory list I drew up and decided to read through the certificate. In doing so I realized it mentioned that the overprint is "blue - black". Then I went back to Scott and realized there is a rarer "blue overprint" variety, which is Scott #M2a (SG J2a). Quite a difference in valuation from $5 from the regular M2 type to $125 per stamp for the M2a type x 8 stamps. Given that it is a block and has the certificate, etc, it should be worth a few bucks I am guessing. Good thing I rechecked :)

There is aways a new discovery to be made, even in the stuff you have already sorted!

That's what I like about this hobby.

Current Gibbons value for SG J2a £55 each, so a very nice find. And even better with a certificate, because it's just the sort of item the careful collector would demand a certificate for. If you decide to sell it, it might be a good idea to get an updated certificate for it. The BPA (who are no longer at that address ) would be a good choice again.

Thanks Tony. Wouldn't the old certificate be a nice thing for a buyer to have though rather than a new one? Age of the certificate shouldn't have anything to do with validity on something like this I don't think and its almost as old as the stamp, which is kind of nice too I think, no?

By the way, the SG valuation is much lower than Scott on this issue. Usually I find the SG valuations higher which is a bit peculiar. I think you are looking at the 2007 SG catalog, which is the same one I am using. I noticed SG values the used one much higher though. Scott's 2009 valuation is the opposite though on the used/unused prices. See below:

Got this from it too :)

By the way, the catalog number listed on the Stanley Gibbons sales ticket doesn't seem to match the current catalog number. Is this perhaps a mistake or did possibly SG change their catalog numbering system as of late (B2a versus J2a)?

The certificate also references SG 203, which is the original stamp issue catalog number without the overprint. Again, not the actual catalog number of the overprint.

I just realized I have a couple of the other same series overprints as well, including one single stamp of the M2/J2 stamp. Not sure if the overprint on the single issue though is also the blue black overprint or just the regular black overprint. Hard to tell.

I would recommend getting a new Certificate as well. If and when you sell it BOTH Certificates should go with the stamps. It establishes a lineage or provenance of sorts for the stamp. The Original proves without a doubt that this Can Not be a recent Forgery. With the advancement of Technology many stamps have been Forged in recent years. This would prove that it is impossible for that to be the case on this.
I have one stamp that was given a bad Certificate as a Forgery made in the early 1960's. It's 1951 Certificate proved that it was impossible! The opinion was reversed and a good certificate was issued.

Thanks revstampman, but what assurances would a new certificate provide that an old certificate would not provide? Since the older one proves without a doubt that it is not a recent forgery, I don't see what a new certificate adds to the value of the stamp? Sorry for questioning your opinion on this, but again I don't see what added value a new certificate offers. Unless you feel a new certificate helps to validate the fact that the old certificate itself is not a forgery? Cheers. Marc

how much do these certificates cost? I've never gotten one...

Marc, By all means Question away!
A new Certificate provides the following: For starters a photo so the stamps can not be swapped. Proof that using modern Scientific methods that it is what it says it is. Proof that the original Certificate was not "Paid For". Yes, this did happen years ago. I am not aware of any BPA certificates that have been questioned. But, I do know of others, as well as MANY Expert marks.

Thanks. I guess in a world of dishonest people trying to make a quick buck whenever they can, the more documented evidence one has that something is authentic, the better :)

That about says it all!