Catalog Value Of Multiple Stamps On Cover

I don't generally do covers, but I have a few including this one from Martinique to Barbados with 8 Francs worth of stamps on it (3 of SC#163, 2 of SC# 161 and 1 each of SC#139 and SC#141).



Ignoring the folds, stains, and general malaise - My 2015 Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue suggests the "most common procedure may be summarized as follows: the stamp which has the highest "value on cover" is counted with its on-cover value, while the other stamps are added on to the total with their normal value as stamps "off cover".

The 161s and the 163s are listed at $45.00 on cover and 80¢ for used singles while the 139 is $15.00 on-cover and the 141 is $8.00 on-cover, with both at 35¢ for a used single. So I come up with a catalogue value of $48.90 [$45.00 + (5 x 80¢) + (2 x 35¢) = $48.90], if only it was in perfect condition.

Does that jibe with the consensus here?

With all that being said, I'm going with a price of about $4.81 on a good day!

Al

I think your math is correct, but I'd also add that some multiple stamp items are philatelic creations which depress the value somewhat. Nice item!

I believe if you ask 10 different cover collectors, you'll get 10 different answers. There are so many variables, including appearance, mixed franking, envelope size, postal markings, country, stamps condition....and on and on.

If this is an area you collect, then it was a great deal. If I were considering it, after careful scrutiny I would use a percentage of the sound stamps' value and add or subtract considering other features.

I like your approach and think you are on "the right track baby". Your pricing is realistic. If lucky you will find people who wish to own such an item and they might bid it up. I have some very old US and offering it at a reasonable starting price has resulted in "good" results. I guess the most important thing is getting the interest of buyers who collect your item. Good luck and let the community know how it turns out.

Great thread,
Thank you for sharing this!

That has been Scott's position for years. It is slightly different and more detailed in the US Specialized but within the same general idea.

Of course this is for the run of the mill general cover. Special other attributes can add, at times greatly, to the value. Reductions can occur as well especially when a correct rate is not being paid.

Subject matter, aesthetics and unusual destinations are subjective factors that no catalog can value.

Not everything is yet documented either or the information is really difficult to locate.

Not long ago, Kelleher had a Russian cover at auction that was estimated at $150. It intrigued me and after some research I found only two other sales of similar covers over a 20-year period from the same flight with the same set of stamps. It was a $1,000 cover all day long based upon those sales. I bid live and was bummed to find that someone else saw it as well. I quit at $800.

Thanks everyone for the replies!

It seemed to me that 8 Francs was a bit steep to go on a 141-mile island hop in 1945, but then I have no idea what the rates were!

Thanks again - interesting...

Al

I'm fairly sure it weighed more than one ounce, so it would be on the expensive side to mail.