Single Vs Block Vs Sheet Popularity

If a philatelist likes the subject matter of a stamp, is he/she more likely to purchase a single stamp, a block (plate or non-plate block), or a full sheet of that stamp issue? In the aforementioned, I'm referring to a stamp issue where each stamp is the same (e.g. #2721 Elvis).

Which of the above is most popular with the general public?

I am sure those that thought the Elvis issue would be worth something purchased a sheet. Plate block collecting was on the decline even then.

How is a philatelist the general public? The general public does not collect stamps. But among the general public are people that collect things. Sometimes there is an overlap.

I doubt there is much such consideration from a philatelic perspective. Collectors tend to have their area of interest and buy stamps accordingly. I expect thematic collectors will not be much different from non-thematic collectors: some will buy one of each, some will buy a multiple in a certain format, some will buy certain positions from within the sheet. I doubt collectors of all singles issued by one country will buy a sheet of a stamp just because they like it. They may because they are interested in a subject in another way.

Some subjects attract attention from non-philatelists. In the case of Elvis stamps, Elvis fans may buy stamps of Elvis when issued to add to their collection of Elvis memorabilia. I suppose most of those people will just go for one example. However, some stamp issuing entities are coming up with all kinds of stuff to cater for those one-off buyers. The reasons tend to be that people choose electronic mail over letters, fewer people collect stamps, at least on a regular basis, the cost of designing and producing stamps is increasing.

Torin - You can create a Poll.

I collect sheets

"Philatelist" and "general public" are two very different things, so I don't think you've thought your question through very carefully.

But the answer is that both buy singles, not blocks or sheets, for the simple reason that they're much cheaper. It's as simple as that.

There was only one time when the "general public" bought sheets of stamps and did not use them, and that was in the 1950s or so when many people (not just collectors) seemed to think those stamps would surely increase in value. But since the stamps were issued in the millions and since thousands saved sheets of those stamps, that did not work. That time has never returned. Collecting blocks or plate blocks was moderately popular at one time, but has declined very much.

Buying sheets seems to me a relatively modern construct.

Buying used blocks and strips of 19th century material is a different game altogether.

As always of course, different strokes for different folks.

Given the restrictions on purchasing from the Fulfillment Center, I will buy the minimum requirement. Sheets can be bought as single stamp, block of 4, or the intact sheet. Panes must be purchased whole. With single design sheets I purchase a block of 4 because I think it looks nice in the album. The panes I will take the Plate # corner & use the remaining for day to day postage. As far as coils go I purchase the minimum required (with exceptions). Booklets I will purchase the total booklet & depending on design take 4 (usually the cover portion, or the total booklet. The total booklet is usually required for 5+ designs. (I usually am able to get singles (or strip of 5) for coils at stamp shows or stamp vendors via mail). I guess collecting without a little hunting is accumulating so I hunt for those recent issues & when found appreciate more.

Thank you for your comments. I forgot about booklets. It seems like they were more popular/common in the 1980s and early 1990s vs today.

Here's something I found that might be helpful (or not; I'm not a wizened collector with years of experience, so take it for what it's worth): Buying a sheet of otherwise not very in-demand low/no value issues for dirt cheap can turn up some cherries if they grade in at 98 or better. For example, I picked up an OG NH sheet of US #930 and US #959 off someone on eBay. They were like $6 each. The margins of several on an outside row were spot on by all ruler measurements, and if they might happen to professionally grade out at 98 or better, I have a bunch of sweet keepers with some fairly decent catalog value. (The centering on the other rows got obviously progressively worse, so they're junk value.) So for about $10, it was potentially very worth it, especially since I happened to just like those two issues to begin with.

IF. They would actually have to get a grade of 98. And you have to pay for the cert, so ou would be in for far in excess of $10. Third there is very little demand for graded stamps that are that late.

For U.S. stamps after 2005, I only buy those that interest me topically, and those almost always in full panes or booklets. The things that I buy, however, tend to be either (1) panes including a number of different designs, or (2) panes of identical stamps with interesting selvage, like the Legends of Hollywood series.

I only collect a full pane of all same design when and if there is information in the selvage I desire to have. This is also true with multi-design panes. I am a philatelist and not just the general public.

@eyeonwall said >> IF. They would actually have to get a grade of 98. And you have to pay for the cert, so ou would be in for far in excess of $10. Third there is very little demand for graded stamps that are that late. >>

That would be true if you sent *all* the potentially juicy ones off for grade -- and for the sake of debate, let's say "all" comprises a single full row from a 10x10 sheet. However, since I'm interested primarily in a single best-specimen for my own collection, spending $10 for a PSE cert with grade on a single Modern (early/mid 1950s) isn't much of a fleece even if it ends up ringing in at 98; it would still have a halfway decent CV there. I would also have a somewhat reliable grade gauge other than my simple opinion for the remaining strip of 9, which could be sold off as nice raw singles if desired.

The remaining 90 (relative) junkers can be disposed off as desired.

So all in all, even a single specimen of those 100 with a CV of $125-$150 at 100 or even $50 for a 98 on a $5 initial purchase doesn't seem all that bad.

Or is it? (Is there something I'm not seeing here that the far more experienced would?)

Given that there are no SMQ values for stamps after Scott 703 it would seem to be a waste of time and money to have modern material graded.

@rodcam: Not so. Plenty of them just like this for mint non-hinged specimens well beyond SC 703. Or did I misunderstand your meaning?