Unused Penny Black?

Some info on me is in the welcome forum. I have attached a picture of a penny black that is in my collection. I did a little reading last night and at this point, it looks like an unused version as I don't see any cancellation marks. Also, it appears that there are good margins, etc.

Since I don't currently have any "handling instruments", I simply scanned the stamp while still in the glassine since I do not want to damage the stamp in any way by mis-handling it.

Also, I am not sure what my grandfather's writing on the envelope means with the exception of the G.B. (Great Britain). Anyone know if these markings are standard collectors info or some proprietary system my GF used.

At some point I will get a better pic, but can anyone provide an opinion and potential valuation on this one?

I would say that at some point, there were two Penny Black's in the glassine, one mint and one used.
That's my take on it.

Yes, it looks as if there were 1 mint and 1 used.

If it is mint, and in vf condition, the 2013 Scott catalog values it at $9,000.

Very interesting. Thanks for the reply and deciphering. I would say your guess of one mint and one used is accurate. Hopefully, the one shown is the mint one.

Anyone care to advise how I might properly handle this stamp so I can scan/photo it and share here in better detail?

I've also learned that the "box" of stamps I have are ones my grandfather set aside as his "specials" or favorites so there may be some more interesting items in there.

When I get some time, I'll share some more.

Welcome to Stamp Community Forum, Ranman.

Actually, I already posted a reply to your question in another forum, but it pretty much echoes what was posted above.

k

KHG,

Thank you for the reply and additional deciphering info. When I posted on the other forum, I didn't realize there were other forums with considerably more members/participation.

Many of the glassines I have show similar markings, now I have a better idea on how to identify what is in the glassine. In terms of long term storage, what is a preferred method?

Hi Ranman,

Welcome to SCF,

If that penny black is mint then you have a nice find. About your question on storage. There are a number of excellent methods for keeping your stamps protected, and you do need to get them out of those yellowing glassine bags, as they look as if they are coming to the end of their useful life. Good quality stock books with white pages are probably the best option as they will let you make pencil notes below the stamps, and re-arrange the stamps easily if that becomes necessary. You will get a lot of good advice about your stamps on this forum, there are a lot of very knowledgeable and expert people on here.

Good luck with your treasure,
Terry

If it is mint then you are looking at a many thousands stamp... used at several hundreds. If you want to scan it and don't want to touch it then tip out onto paper. To my poor eyesight I think I see a guideline thru the E which might add a couple of hundreds more to the value. I also think it might not be a 4 margin stamp as the right hand side looks a bit close? That will reduce the value. Swings and round-abouts A nice clear scan of both sides would be nice to see.
Good luck.

Ranman,

Get yourself some stamps tongs for handling the stamps.

I put my more valuable stamps in dealer stock cards (size 104) rather than glassine envelopes as they are sturdier and less likely to bend. I then store the cards and envelopes (for less valuable stamps) in boxes (that fit size 104 - see red boxes in link below).

Stamps tongs discussed here: http://www.linns.com/howto/choosing...ngtongs.aspx

Dealer stock cards example: http://www.ihobb.com/c/STOCKCARDS.html

OK folks. As requested, I was able to carefully extract her from the glassine for a quick scan. Front and back are included. What do you think?

Looks like I found the used one too. Was in a separate glassine.

Scans can hide a wealth of information that will either harm or benefit the value of your stamp. It sees Detroit has a number of options and a monthly stamp bourse that you could go to.

Physical inspection of a stamp with the potential value this one has is recommended.

Ann Arbor Stamp Club
Salvation Army Citadel
W. Huron & Arbana, Ann Arbor
Meeting Starts at 7:30 pm
3rd Monday - Mar. thru Oct.
2nd Monday - Jan. & Feb.
1st & 3rd Monday - Nov.
No meeting in December

Detroit Philatelic Society
(Regular Monthly Meetings Since 1908)

Dinner Meeting 3rd Wed. Every Month
Location Rotates Between
Various Restaurants
Cocktail Hour 6:00 pm
Dinner 7:00 pm
Philatelic Presentation 8:00 pm
Club Auction 8:30 pm

Allen Park Stamp Club
Charlie's Family Dining
1817 Dix Hwy.,
Lincoln Park, MI
2nd Thursday (Sept. - June)
6:00 - 9:00 PM

Michigan Stamp Club
Dearborn Historical Museum
Commandant's Quarters
21950 Michigan Ave. (Corner Monroe)
Dearborn, MI
2nd and 4th Monday,
7:00 - 10:00 PM

Birmingham Stamp Club
and Ferndale Stamp Club
BASCC Senior Center
2121 Midvale Avenue
Birmingham, MI
1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6:30 - 9 PM

Motor City Stamp & Cover Club
Sokol Cultural Center
23600 W. Warren Ave.
Dearborn Hgts., MI
Last Sunday, (except Oct & Dec)
3:00-6:00 PM

Collectors Club of Michigan
Oak Park Community Center
14300 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park
1st Monday, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Mt. Clemens Stamp Club
2nd & 4th Wednesday - 6:30 PM
Mt. Clemens Public Library
150 Cass Ave,
Mt. Clemens, MI

Dearborn Stamp Club
Senior Center
Ford Performing Arts Center
15801 Michigan Ave. (at Greenfield Rd)
Dearborn, MI
2nd Tuesday
1:00 - 3:00 PM

Oak Park Stamp Club
Oak Park Community Center
14300 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park
2nd Tuesday, 7:30 - 10 PM
Kalamazoo Stamp Club
Parchment Community Library
401 S. Riverview Drive, Parchment
3rd Tuesday, 5-8 PM
Pontiac Stamp Club
Meeting Place to be Determined
Waterford, MI
2nd & 4th Tuesday, 6-9 PM
(May be changed)


Stamp Collectors Club of Toledo
Wernert's Corner Civic
Association Hall
5068 Douglas, Toledo, OH
1st & 3rd Thursday (Sept.-May)
7:00 PM
West Suburban Stamp Club
Plymouth Historical Museum
155 S. Main Street
Plymouth, MI 48170
1st & 3rd Friday, 7:30-10 PM

64, Understood and thank you for the infomation. I'm quite new to this and am just looking for some initial impresisons and guidance, (which I am receiving by many of you already). Thanks so much for the comments and local info.

It's possible that you may have difficulty in saying the "unused" stamp is actually that as there is no gum remaining by the looks of that scan. It does have a typically used look on the back and the hinge mark isn't covering any original gum in my opinion. It is possible that it is an uncancelled stamp.

I think I see traces of pink around the face and upper left side of the stamp. I'd suspect a cleaned off red MX.

Welcome.

I've joined this year, and its a great community of trusty nice people. You will get some really good and expert like information.

I second the comments above about

1. Having a really good tong (not a tweezer)
2. Stock book or two...to get the stamps out of the glassines and grouped by country, with pencil notations.

Enjoy