What's Wrong With This Blue Two Pence?

Im just getting into GB. I see this on ebay;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GB-Scott-4-...em2ed2d22dfb
And I have to wonder what wrong with it? According to SG 2007 it should be a lot more than this!! Or is this what this one goes for?

While it does have 4 clear margins, it has a typical heavy (almost obliterating) cancel. It is also looks dirty/stained. SG prices for that stamp is for "reasonably clear and not noticeably smudged". These stamps are not that uncommon compared to early US stamps, so the price drops dramatically if the stamp has any sort of fault for these early GB stamps.

I did not check the cancel number to see if it has any premium. I was only looking at the stamp.

Gibbons' catalogue prices are what they would dearly love to sell stamps for. Only very special stamps in top condition get anywhere near their catalogue prices, most stamps sell for a whole lot less. Those that get the best prices will be in at least fine condition, but even then may be below CV. Apologies for blathering on, I am sure you already know this.

There are plenty more better specimens out there. But also remember, the bitter taste of poor quality long outlasts the initial sweetness of the cheap price.

Terry

Thnks guys, yeah I do know that prices are most always far below catalog, but someone else may read and it could be new so thanks for sharing that. My 2007 said 22.00, which I assume is based on the pound, so I figured it would still be more than US$4. I did see that it is a stained copy, but as was said old US is scarcer, which is what Im used too.
I dont have one so I may try for it.

I would say that's a good buy if it doesn't go up too much.
I sold scores of these on this very forum in 2012 and seeing this brought back memories !

The cancel is a London Inland section Horizontal oval with number in Diamond. It looks like 21 which would make it Woolwich or Wanstead. Dated onwards from 1844.

Good luck

Londonbus1.....loved the corner letters too !

Hi Londonbus1,

Yes, it's a London Section postmark but no, it's not from Woolwich or Wanstead.

The London Inland Section "number in a diamond" postmarks were used in the main office(s) in central London while the "number in a circle" postmarks were used by the District Post and Suburban offices.