Scotts Specialized Catalog

Want some advice please: I would like to buy a Scotts Specialized Catalog. Most are dated 1840 - 1940. What is the point in buying a newer version of this if nothing has really changed since 1940?
I'm sure I'm missing something here, but these books are really expensive and the difference in cost between (say) 2015 and 2010 is a lot.

Thanks.

jkjoller, I think you are confusing 2 different catalogs. The USA Specialized catalog includes issues up to the date of publication. The Classic catalog is worldwide and includes up to 1940 (and a little beyond on some issues).

If you a U.S. specialist, then you would want the USA Specialized catalog. If you are starting in this direction, and you don't collect contemporary stamps, then you might do better buying a catalog that is a few years old.

Hi

In addition to the annual change of catalog values of many, many stamps, there are also new categories of certain types of stamps that are usually added in each new volume.

In addition, existing Scott catalog numbers have been known to change, as new varieties are discovered.

Specialized catalogs that are, say, older than five years are relatively useless for modern value purposes.

Jim

What stamps of the U.S. do you collect? What do you expect to learn from the U.S. Specialized? The answers to those questions probably determine what year catalog you pursue.

@JKJOLLER, Would suggest you visit your local library, then see if they have a Scott Catalog that would fit your needs. Some libraries sell of (real cheap) older books. My library does, and has had Scott catalogs there. All books are $1.00 each.

Stampmaster

You can also pick up gently used copies on Amazon at a reasonable price.

Information does change. So the most current you can afford is best. I use mind for quick identification. For example I don't collect revenue stamps but the Scotts US Specialized gives me all the info that I need to figure out what I have. I collect more than classics so that is why I have the other book. Mine is well worn as I use it a lot.

I do buy mine a couple of years older because they are much cheaper. Some times you will find a prior opinion is wrong. In my 2007 it had a nice article on the over run country stamps in which a well known collectors opinion was debunked by better research.

Which is why having access to a new version is important. Things change,valuations change numbers change. Thankfully my local library has a copy.
Stu