Scanning

Would anyone have suggestions for how to scan stamps to ensure that detail shows up, particularly on the back? I scanned the backs of some blocks that I am showing in another topic today. I wanted to show the hinge marks, gum disturbance and some impressions of off-center perforations that show up only on the back, but only the hinge marks are clearly visible in the scan, the disturbance in the middle is barely visible and, unless folks' eyesight is much better than mine, the perf impressions cannot be discerned. I have tried putting a black background as well as scanning at the best resolution possible, but to no avail.

I am doing this not only for my own records but also, if I decide to sell any of the blocks/stamps, I would like to show the backsides so that the buyer can see completely what he/she is getting.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Scanning the gum side is EXTREMELY difficult.
I sell plenty of stamps @ ebay....I do not scan the back side.
Just describe if any imperfections and be willing to accept returns.

Just a side note.....always best to scan against a BLACK
background (preferrably just in a stock page)
GOOD LUCK!!

I suggest you play with sharpen & contrast & color depth in the SCF Image Organizer ...

https://www.stampcommunity.org/imag....asp#534,600

... but you might want to post both the 'raw' and digitally enhanced images.

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey

This block has a nice double line watermark. Looks like a Pan American block.

revcollector - yes, its the 10c - 299. I had scanned it for another post earlier today (Blocks of 4) where I was asking if these are worth more as a block, even though it's not a plate block, versus breaking them up, keeping the best single and selling the rest. The front is shown below.

The Pan Am market is extremely soft, so breaking up the block would not be recommended, most especially since neither of the stamps in the block are well centered, and would be difficult (at best) to selloff as singles...

Best recommendation is to find and purchase a nicely centered NH or LH single, keep the block intact and move it whole...

ebay 299 listings...

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...&_sacat=3461

Thanks to all for your comments.

disi123 - given your obvious experience with the Pam Ams, since the ebay listings seem to be all over the place and most have not been sold anyway, and apparently catalog values can be irrelevant, do you know of other sources for helping one determine where to start on an asking price for material such as what I am showing?

Start with the Scott Valuing guide in the current 2014 Scott United States Specialized catalog. Although not listed as such, the stamps in the block are very good to find (VG-F) at best, assuming that no thins or creases are exposed by dipping in watermark fluid and no small tears or creases are visible under 10x to 15x magnification. The interpolated Scott retail value between very good (VG) and fine (F) would be about 1/3 of Scott catalog. Properly priced material does sell on ebay at fixed price. Auction prices for good material on ebay are weak, usually about 1/3 of the retail or 1/9 of catalog. Perversely, auction realization percentages are higher for damaged because most stamps sell at a deep discount to retail to start with.

A quick note about scanning. The most effective way to fix back images is to adjust levels to trim off unused parts of the tonal range. It should be possible to find hints on the web about how to adjust levels to maximize the tonal range of images without altering the image. Many images on ebay look dull and flat because sellers don't bother to adjust levels or they use a digital camera or an inappropriate background. Good images, at least 600 DPI for a single stamp help items sell. Also, a good set of item specifics and 30 day instead of good until cancelled listings will help improve search position.

Clark

Always scan with the scanner cover closed, this reduces the amount of ambient background light and will give you the most accurate image of the actual item.

I respectfully disagree with those who do not include an image of both sides of a higher value stamp. While the time and effort for low value stamps may indeed not make it 'worth it' if you want to generate the most interest, highest bids, and reduce the possibility of upset customers and expensive returns then I recommend including scan of the backs of stamps.

And while I understand the comments about using software to 'improve' the image in my opinion this should only be done if you are willing to include this manipulation in your description (simply describe what filters/processes you added to image). At some point a line can be crossed where the manipulation can become deceptive, this is especially true when it comes to color shades or gum condition.

There is an art to forming a great listing, finding the middle of the road for both the written descriptions and the images is often not easy. You want to be complete and offer buyer the highest comfort level when buying something sight unseen but without hyping it beyond what it actually is. As an example consider the back of a stamp. You may say 'mint, never hinged' or you can start adding all kinds of additional comments like 'post office fresh'. A large percentage of buyers will all agree upon the meaning of 'mint, never hinged' but you would find a smaller percentage agrees upon the meaning of 'post office fresh'. In fact some buyers might even be turned away from a listing with 'post office fresh' description since they might consider it hype. This same concept goes for images, making it look better than it really is will influence the buyers expectations.

If the two scans you show are done in at least the 600 dpi mentioned, in my opinion they are fine as you show them in this thread.
Don

Is there a rule of thumb for the % of catalog value a VF MNH might be a reasonable start for a buy it now price on ebay, assuming we're not talking about a extremely common modern stamp?

I'd look on ebay stamps, search for the catalog number of the stamp you wish to sell, put a tick in the box on the left side "Sold listings" and this should be a good barometer of what the market values are. All you need to do is find a couple similar to yours.