Annual Collections

After looking at the values of the annual collections in the Unitrade catalog 2012. The 1974 has much higher value in proportion to the other collections from that time.

I know not to put much value in what the catalog says.

I would like to know why such a difference for that one year.

Was the production that much lower? Is there something SPECIAL about it that I can't find?

The book never gets into specifics about these collections or gives any production numbers.

Thanks for your input.

Not being an expert, I can only say that I noticed the same thing as you and waited until I saw a good deal on ebay.
There is one now: 360708020719
The seller has unpacked and hinged the stamps, but you can get the MNH's yourself if you are finicky about that.

The annual USPS sets show the same discrepancy. The mint stamps may have a face value of, say, $8.65 (and most are simply discount postage), but the set in a fancy book, sells for $22.95 retail.

The inescapable conclusion is that the fancy book is worth $14.30+ and that seems ridiculous. The answer is, however, the fact that very few were sold, and even fewer remained intact, and if you want one of every USPS "product," that's the price you pay. Anyone missing Mint Sets, I have dozens of duplicates, 1973 to 1990.