Shopping For New US Album

I'm just getting back into collecting after many years away.
I thought I would start with a brand new US album and I'm looking
for your help.

thanks in advance


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Hi Dennis, and welcome to the forum. Could you tell us a little bit about what exactly you collect? There are so many different areas - to start with do you collect mint or used?

Peter

Welcome to this forum. I read your introduction.

Thank you for your service as a fire fighter. I live in R.I. Tonight
on the evening news, a retired firefighter, saw smoke coming from a house he was passing. He pulled over and pulled the only person left inside, out to safety. The man survived but is burned on 95% of his body. You all deserve gold stars!

I can not recommend a book, but you should here soon from some more
experienced members.

Good luck to you!

In the past I have collected single US stamps
from the beginning to the present (mid-1980's)
By the way, pardon any newbie descriptions of mine.

I have a single Liberty album covering 1840's
to 1984. And I chased the stamp pictures in the book,
so to speak.

I dont have first issues, and the only plate blocks
and sheets I have are those called for in the Liberty album.
I suppose for now that'll be enough for me.

I have some uncancelled, but mostly cancelled. In time I would
like to replace the cancelled for uncancelled as my wallet can bear.

And I love the National Park imperforates of 1935, I believe.
Such a wonderful story behind them. Farley showing off a bit,
I suppose.
I love history. My personal definition for History is "Our Story".
Including stamps.

Thank you and I hope I have fleshed out what my interest is.

Although expensive, the Lighthouse hingeless U.S.A. albums are absolutely wonderful.

The Mystic American Heirloom is my favorite- and that of many on here:

https://www.mysticstamp.com/Product...s/DS111/USA/

I'll second the recommendation for the Mystic Album. The pages are top-notch, although I recommend springing for the premium binder and slipcase. Their standard binder is somewhat flimsy and will tend to warp relatively quickly.

Thanks to all for your imput regarding the album recommendations.
I've decided to start with the:

US #DS137 1847-1934
1847-1934 Mystic's Premium American Heirloom Hingeless Album with Slipcase - Volume I,
Volume II, and Volume III. Which takes me up to 1984. Where my collection ends (for now).

Regards,
Dennis

Dennis,

Good choice. I wish I had stopped in 1984. Maybe even earlier. Like a fool, I kept going all the way to the present. The stamps of today are no better than children's stickers and they are expensive as well.

Jack Kelley

I bought Lighthouse. I found the best way to buy it was stalk ebay for someone dumping a useless collection. I have seen 2 volumes go for 200. That gets you into the 70s. I think after that the value of albums doesn't justify the stamps you put in unless you are getting CIA / stock exchange inverts or some hidden gem in the modern era

Would love to own an invert! But could never comfortably afford one!

Back in the late 1990's, at a big New York show at the Javits Center, a nice dealer allowed me to hold, in my very own hands, the invert of Scott 294, the green 1-cent Pan American Exposition stamp. It was so cool! But I very quickly gave the stamp (in its protective plastic cover) back to the dealer. The sales asking price was something like $15,000, if I remember correctly. I've no idea what they go for now. Anyone know?

Paul78703,

You can buy lot of good quality stamps instead of that one $15,000 invert!

Jack Kelley

I agree with Jack. I wish I stopped before 1984 too. I gave up after 1992.

On topic, I have a couple vintage National albums. I've always loved that album.

Personally, I am a fan of the Scott National albums.

I have a Mystic Hingeless as well and am quite happy. I got the first two volumes (1847-1966). Not sure if I'm sufficiently interested in Volume 3 (1967-1984) but may get an extra binder as mine are getting a bit tight as I sometimes add additional sheets for coil pairs and other sundry related items.

Gentlemen, Your comments regarding stopping at 1984 are enlighting.
For the not too distant future I think I'll concentrate on the first
three volumes. My Libery Album begins to show filled pages in the
late 20's. So, I have a 60 year window to play in.
I can't open a stamp book without thinking of my mother. She collected
as a young girl. My first album (with a sailing ship on the cover
had been her's. She's been gone 10 years and I think of her often
and miss her.
Paul78703, you'r comment of holding the stamp at the show reminds me
of the wonderful scene in Charade when Cary and Audrey catch up with
the Paris stamp dealer who has run off home with those rarest of stamps.
He says he knew someone would be coming, but he just wanted to say he had them
for a bit.
Jack Kelly, Is that Warren Spahn with that great high kick. I was a boy
when Spahnny was throwing.
Peace and Happy New Years to you all