Scotts Catalog Older Vs New

I was wondering if I purchase an older U.S. scotts catalog will it have all the same varieties that would be in an up to date book or have alot of things changed with additions from 1847-2000 stamps as far as different varieties of stamps? Not worried about values. Thanks

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Pretty open question. When you say "older", how much older? I use a 2017 Scott specialized for US material and while almost 4 years old it's still relevant and good enough for me. Personally I wouldn't go past the 5 year mark since they do add new information every year.

I had the full Scotts catalog set from 2001. I recycled every one but the US Specialized, and that was years ago. For me, a catalog over 10 years old will almost never get opened. I keep it closer to 3 to 5 years.

Thanks, I was going to try and buy one for the main purpose of 1847- 2000 variety per scotts number. Ex. 1 1A 1B 1C 1D, 2 2A. In the catalog I have there is just a number 1 and no different varieties of that number. I was just wanting a book that lists basically every single us stamp out there from 1847 - mid 90s that I can afford. I just didn't want to buy an older book if there is a variety of a scotts number not listed.

Hi Mstamping, seek out a used copy of a U.S. Scott's Specialized catalog. Pick one that fits in your price range and is from the early to mid 2000's.

TongMan provides great advice. Like Stallzer, I find my 2017 specialized fine, but have kept articles from earlier editions.

You will find an older version is good enough. If there any changes, they will involve varieties added that are often more expensive specialist types. There is a change list published every year.

Prices vary widely on eBay and Amazon, I would pick a price point and buy the most recent one that fits it.
I recently updated my set of Scotts catalogs and found a 2020 volume that was cheaper than the older editions.

I just purchased a 2019 specialized on abebooks for very little. It is a good place to find older catalogs.

Newer is better but only slightly.
The big change in numbering in the Scott specialized (10, 10A, 11, 11A, 25, 26, etc.) came in 2008. I always suggest to not get a Scott Specialized before the 2008 edition because of that.
As others have said the articles about changes in the front of the Specialized are good to read. I try to replace mine a when it is 8-10 yrs old to something 2-3 yrs old.

Another way to think about it --- whatever the latest changes are (last 3-5 years), collectors have lived without for 150-170 years on the earliest USA. They probably didn't even KNOW about them for 90+% of that time. Dealers want the latest editions, for accurate valuation. Collectors probably don't need that. Certainly not every year. As with anything philatelic, though, only YOU need to live with your decisions - do what works with you.

My personal dream is to see Scott come out with an Ultra Classic USA Catalogue --- an in-depth listing of stamps and varieties before, say, 1900. Maybe even pre-1880. I don't see that happening anytime soon, though.

Generally, I buy a 2-3 year old Scott's 1A catalogue every 4-6 years. It's usually good enough for information purposes. If I need anything more up today I go to my public library who always has a new set on the shelf. Sometimes I'll use them there, sometimes I sign them out. They always have 2 or 3 years worth on the shelf.

As US collector, I have never had need of a full set, but again the Public library has them. I did pick up a full set when they were available on disk in 2007. It was a one time impulse buy and I rarely use but they have come in handy. I will never get my money's worth out of them but it's OK I do use it once in a blue moon to ID something.

I have a 2007 set. It serves my purposes well though I think I may try to update to something in the last 3 or 4 years.