Scott And Gibbons

Hello all,

Do Gibbons and Scott the value stamps quite differently?
I have seen this a few times from different stamps I have been hunting. It looks as if they have had quite a wide variation in the price (between Gibbons and Scott) for the some of the same stamps/sets.

Thanks

H7

SG, like other European catalogues, prices items higher than Scott, for various reasons (including the fact that SG's is an offer for sale, whereas Scott's is a picture of dealer prices). For most material, the rule of thumb is to aim to pay around 10% of SG prices, and more for better material.

It is usually, but not always the case that Stanley Gibbons' prices are higher than Scott. Take, for example the Singapore "insects" series of 1985/88 (Scott #s 453-464). Scott prices the Leigh-Mardon printings (Scott #s 453a -460a) at astronomical prices. #460a in used condition catalogs at US$82.50. Stanley Gibbons prices the same stamp at 4.75 GB pounds. I really don't know how the folks at Scott come up with their prices, or how they could be so misinformed on the market

If you are looking at British commonwealth, you are much better off using Stanley Gibbons and taking a percentage of catalog as your guide.

In terms of pricing, more often than not, the catalogs are better for determining relative price rather than absolute price. Other than the very rare stamps, it's not difficult to find most stamps at a significant discount from the price listed in either catalog.

The prices differ because they weren't intended to reflect a global retail price average. The SG catalog also serves as their sales catalog. On the other hand, Scott no longer sells stamps, and their prices reflect retail value of the stamp in the US, which is not necessarily the retail value in Asia or Europe.

In general, older US stamps are cheaper in Europe than in the US, simply because the demand is higher in the US. Likewise, older stamps of Great Britain are cheaper here in the US. The same applies for bulk postage lots and many modern mint country collections, simply because they can't be used for postage outside the country of issue.

Really insightful replies and thank you as I am still very new. It was just an observation I made when hunting for stamps I wanted, not intentionally focusing on value of these stamps. But very helpful to know

Following on from this, I have a local dealer who bases all his stamps on Gibbons catalogue. As mentioned above, if these are "relative price" would it be worth discussing a discount (haggle) on stamps he sells me? As I am relatively new to stamp collecting, would this be an insult?
as I don't think I have to much knowledge to really know.

Thanks again

H7

Hello Harrowell, I think your local dealer is giving you a hard time if you're paying SG prices. If you are in NW London you may find other stamp dealers in Uxbridge, Enfield and Aspley (near Hemel Hempstead) who will charge a lot less than SG.

Presumably your dealer is basing his prices on SG, but not pricing up to SG, unless for rarer material. Bear in mind that his costs aren't those of someone selling on ebay - he has to factor in a range of other costs that internet sellers don't have.

Have you tried actual auctions? Worth looking at for the range of items, from individual stamps, through country collections to large mixed lots.

Gibbons themselves say that the price in their catalog is for the best quality stamp. I collect MNH USA and Canada and I would say out of 2000 stamps that I own, only 4 qualify as "the best quality" You need to change dealers. I would NEVER purchase a stamp at SG prices.

Thank you every, taking all advice on board and learning from this.

H7