Perf Pairs, Blocks And Sheets Value Vs Single Stamp Same Condition

I actually have two questions.

1) Assuming grade across the board is the same. A pair of VF stamps that are listed in the guide for $5 each are worth $10 or is there more value because they are connected and paired, also how about when you have 4 or 6 blocks or even sheets? How does it affect pricing.

2). If a block or sheet contains a XF+ stamp is it safe or recommended to isolate that stamp by removing it? Is there a safe way to do this.

Thanks

IMO stamps at that price level in multiples have little to likely zero added value because they are in blocks etc.. Purists will howl if you mention breaking up a multiple but in reality multiples are where ALL single originated with few exceptions. That being said there is likely little to be gained by breaking up a multiple at that price point.

Of course, as catalog values go up so does the relative scarcity of multiples and you will begin to see premiums for blocks and so on. Add in imprints and plate block numbers and multiples become increasingly sought after with an associated value bump.

It should be noted though that the market for multiples such as blocks can be counterintuitive when it comes to how many people are seeking to purchase them. One reason is that collectors need ONE only to fill that album space and don't want to pay the premium for a block or similar. You see this all of the time at auction where classic blocks go unsold or sell for small percentages of catalog. Besides the "one stamp needed" reason there is also the issue of centering. A large percentage of multiples with well centered stamps have been broken because the stamps were well centered. You will see many intact classic blocks that are intact because the centering is poor.

In the case of pairs, imperf between and coil stamps, I believe pairs are worth more than their single peers.

What is the "guide" you are referring to?
Have you acquired a Unitrade catalog yet?

Secondly, I read through the original post and can only respond that the question is too vague and can only be countered with generalities. Singles vs multiples from the 1860s or the 1960s are entirely different animals. An answer of any real advisory value can only be given if we have a far more focused question. Just saying....

Not a tough question actually.

I agree with John Becker. It really depends on what stamps you are talking about.

Moving on.

For U.S. stamps, I definitely would NOT break up any pre-1920 multiples (used or unused).

Any used multiples, especially anything bigger than a pair, from the 19th century, should never be separated.

I actively search for multiples of Queen Victoria stamps from any country. Or anything I find interesting. Going back to the OP. There are definitely people who buy full sheets of US stamps simply to send the very best ones in for grading. Look at the 'yellow pages' in the Specialized Scotts. Not something I would ever do.

I would not break a block or pairs as they are an important part of philately, for Canada early classic period (Victoria) Often useful in identifying varieties depending on position. Here is an example to determine these are position 52-54 and 62 to 64 on the plate of 100.

Every post after mine is displaying classic blocks of value which is not what the OP is talking about. Starting to get a tad bit off the rails.

Here are some 1954 Heuss definitive multiples from modern Germany.

Michel catalogs the horizontal pairs, because in Germany postal clerks remove stamps from their stock in vertical fashion, making accounting easier.

A used horizontal pair of the 30 pf value (Mi #187), for example, catalogs at 140 euros, while a used vertical pair catalogs at 12 euros.

Hi Stamp Collector
Listen to what the guys are telling you..
Do not break up..Sheets, blocks pairs, etc.
Here is an example...My 2 Scott/Unitrade "Broken "E" blocks as is are say worth 240.00...break them up and the single stamp worth about 160.00



Also here is an oddity on one of my Scott 277 stamps..IF I tear these stamps up it would be hard to determine the position of this oddity.



Bottom line..Leave as is...Just my opinion.
Robert

Note that "grade" is a very American thing. Although good centring and appearance are valued in Europe, often there is kind of a threshold.



Hibernian T69h (1927), catalogued (unmounted mint) at € 475. Broken up, you will be having a difficult time convincing collectors this is more than filling their T66 (€ 120) and T72 (€ 75), i.e. € 195 (41%) combined catalogue price. For the 5/- your € 925 will be broken up into € 160 and € 225 (42%). For the 10/- your € 2,850 will be broken up into € 290 and € 525 (29%).

Something similar goes for 1942 M.E.F. overprints on GB King George VI. Your Stanley Gibbons M6b-M10b break up into M6-M10 and M6a-M10a that are quite expensive as well, but not as expensive as the vertical pairs. Interestingly, vertical pairs of M6-M10, or M6a-M10a are rarer, but not as expensive as the M6b-M10b pairs.
In the more modern era, there might be other reasons not to break up multiples.

In 1960s/1970s GB stamps exist with a phosphor bar. Stamps with a single phosphor bar, sometimes have that at left or right. If both exist, these, probably, were applied as wide bars over alternate vertical perforations. Pairs make much nicer additions than two singles, although the price may not be higher. The pairs show how they were applied.

Cancellations might be more complete on multiples: se Casey Magoo's post of the 5d GB Queen Victoria "Jubilee." It does not always add monetary value - it might - but can make a nicer addition to your collection.

Enough examples of se-tenant stamps or stamps with a design that is only complete when seen in pairs. See Netherlands NVPH nrs 1010/1011 (1972), 1043-1045, or 1052 (both 1974). The later only shows a complete design on pairs.