Factors In Stamp Collecting

Hello all,

I am very new to the world of stamp collecting. I went to the library earlier tonight to take a look at the Scott Catalogue. There are a few factors and columns that I haven't understood yet.

For example, the word perf. (is it the condition) and the number 13 1/2 beside it in some cases. Does the number signify the size of the sheet or something?

I know that there's the condition and the gum behind the stamps are desicive factors of the quality and price of the stamp. Are there any othe major factors that I should keep in mind, such as centering?

Thank you!

Hello Petersun

The perforation measurement reflects the number of perforation holes in 2 cm. When the measurement is given as (for example) 11.5 x 12 it reflects horizontal and vertical measures.

Since you are obviously new to the hobby, I extend a hearty welcome and extend the following suggestions that could save you a lot of time, money and consternation:
1. consider joining a local stamp club and The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada
2. read about the hobby - there are lots of great books available in addition to catalogues. When you read catalogues, read the introduction first - not all catalogues follow the same standards and nomenclature.
3. before you start spending serious money, learn about your intended purchases (knowledge is power!)
4. remember that the hobby is about having fun
5. ask lots of questions - there is no such thing as a dumb question

Best wishes as you settle in for a lifetime of enjoyment.

GJP

Welcome to stamp collecting!
Perf = perforations, the holes between stamps where you tear them apart. Some stamps (usually definitive) will be re-issued at later dates with different perf size, which can be measured with a perforation gauge. These are different varieties and may have different catalogue values.

Hi, and welcome!
Your questions were answered and some good suggestions given.

As a returnee to the hobby after 45 years "off", may I offer some suggestions.........

- Spend your initial monies on stamp collecting books. Check out ebay, and remember old books on the hobby itself (not catalogues) are pretty much the same as newer (more expensive ones).
- Figure out what you want to collect before buying stamps/albums. You may want to concentrate on Canada, or world wide, or English colonies or ????? Also, some collect the classic era (1840-1939) and some "all time"..........
- Not everyone uses albums to house their stamps, but most seem to use albums. There are all kinds out there, and you get what you pay for. Once you decide what you want to collect, and that you want to use albums, buy the best one you can afford. You will not be sorry.

The hobby is so much more than collecting old stamps. There is just a wealth of history behind each of them, and so many fascinating topics.
I have to add one thing...... the hobby is not about "making money" or "investing for the future". Many think of it that way, and eventually discover they were wrong.

ENJOY !

Thank you for your replies!

About the perforations, there's something that I don't quite understand:

Use the 1997 Canadian $8 Grizzly Bears as an example.Under the word perforation the stamp is priced lower than its face value, but under the size number, the price reflects probably the full pane.Does the former (the value under perf.) stand for the value of the stamp used or something?

Hi, petersun, and welcome.

The pricing in most catalogs and guides are usually arranged in two columns: The left hand column is for unused examples, the right hand column for used examples. You will find that most of the stamps are priced below face value. You will also likely notice that catalog listings will show a lot of stamps priced at a minimum value, even for both unused and used varieties. These are all common stamps. Keep in mind that catalog values do not represent the actual buy and sell prices you would find in the real world. Catalog prices are valuable to the collector in determining 'relative' stamp values.
As for the Perf. designations, they are merely descriptive of the stamps, and are not to be taken as price column headings. The same goes for printing method descripors (Engraved, Litho, Typo, Photo, etc.); Watermarks, Paper Types, and so on.

petersun, this link may be of help. Wikipedia, though, sometimes has information that is not completely accurate, but this might help you understand some basic terms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philately

In the Scott Catalog introduction, there are a couple of pages that explain the listings. In fact, I would suggest you read the entire introduction if you have time. Regarding the terms, Scott does not necessarily explain most of the terms, so you will need to visit a website such as the one yakboomer linked.

Hi petersun,

Try googling "stamp collecting glossary" +philately
I found a good detailed list but I believe that SCF site rules prevent me from posting the link.

What have you collected so far?

Thank you for your replies!
My collection has been so far passed down (mostly Chinese and other Asian).
https://goscf.com/t/34742
That's a link to some of my Canadian stamps (wildlife high valued series) for both mailing and collecting.

With the technologies of stamp printing today, I believe (I could be wrong) that off-centered stamps are considered errors that are sometimes scarce. What about older stamps printed without the technologies we have today? The more centered the better?

Thank you all for your time!

Technology or not, poorly centered is not as desirable as well centered. Rare or not, poorly centered is not considered an error, just...well...poorly centered. A stamp that is shifted so that only half of it is shown between the perforations (the other half would be the next stamp) may be an oddity but is normally not as desirable as a better copy of the same stamp. Off centers usually have lower values than better centered copies.

There are always exceptions, but that would be the rule of thumb...

Don't forget supplies...

http://stamps.org/Stamp-Tools


-IBFS

I agree about buying the best album you can afford. You don't buy a classic piece of art and then plunk it in a frame from Walmart. You won't regret showcasing your material in an album worthy of housing the stamps in it.