Color Key

Does anyone have any recommendations for an affordable color key? Some of the ones I see are up near $70 and that is a little too much for the amount of time I might be using it.

Thanks in advance!

At the low end is the G&K Color Guide at about $7, probably adequate for "ball park" comparisons, I use it for such. Better is the Scott U.S guide for around $40 with the Advantage pricing, I use that also. Then there is that R.H. White book that has been discussed....... ($ hundreds). Stanley Gibbons/Michel if you are not talking about U.S. stamps. I'm sure there are other specialized refs in use.

OK, I would use it for US stamps, so the Scott one might be the way to go.

Just note the Scott Specialized Color Guide (if that's what you're talking about) only applies to a handful of stamp issues. Its not a general color guide for all stamps.

"The guide offers the specialized collector a simple and easy-to-use method of distinguishing the subtle shades of color needed to make the proper identification for Scott 10,11, 64,65, 219D, 220, 267 and 279B. The guide offers background information on each issue, actual color chips and a space for the stamp in question."

Knuppster- just remember that when you're looking at classic 19th century stamps, that it's impossible to recreate the actual shades, in particular, the differences between #64 and #65 (or 64b). So, if you're looking at that stamp in particular, the best way to determine what you have is by having a reference copy. It's just really difficult to use color guides on a stamp that's 150 years old, faded, and may not look like it did 150 years ago.

Good luck, Ray

Sorry, should have mentioned that Yes, the Scott book only applies to certain U.S. comparison stamps. If you are as color challenged as I am...slightly color blind in some reds and green for example, then the cheap G&K guide is great for helping sort your carmines from your dark reds, and your scarlet from your crimson. John

So for a reference copy do you recommend having Scott's Specialized Catalog 1840-1940 or an actual physical copy of the stamp to reference too. Similar to the APS' Reference Collection?