Classic Stamp Centering And Catalog Value

I am looking some Natal stamps, with catalog values ranging from $10 to $120. They are in good condition (no pulled perfs, tears, folds, thins, etc.), but the perfs cut into the design on one or two sides.

I am interested in the thoughts of the collective regarding what notional(1) discount from the VF catalog value would be expected.

Thanks for the responses.


(1) I realize that this can depend on the particular stamp, the degree to which the perfs cut into the design, personal preferences, etc.

You should do your own little study of prices for single stamps not only offered but actually sold on ebay. Those prices are probably in the range of wholesale to low retail prices in most cases. You will find the early Queen Victoria issues go for a fairly low percentage of catalog value.

One factor you did not mention is whether the used have pen cancels or not. High values also have pen cancels combined with normal postmarks and also pen cancels removed with a fake postmark added. Those usually are at 10% of catalog, or less.

The preoccupation with centring seems to be for the most part particular to collectors of US and Canadian stamps.

Other than that, of course a better looking stamp would be more desirable than an ugly example, which would likely make it easier to sell and possibly on auction attract more bidders which could raise the price, but it has been my experience (mainly with classic British Commonwealth stamps) that there are rarely significant price differences based on centring.

That being said, there are exceptions. For example the Palestine Mandate 1923 Postage Dues were notoriously poorly centred with perforation often cutting deep into the design, in this case well centred stamps do command a preumium.

Scott states that for Natal, numbers 8-49, 61-63 and 79 will have perforations touching on one or more sides. This is pretty much the 1860-1875 period. Stamps like this will be considered fine for the issue.

For the Queen Victoria stamps of Great Britain, Gibbons mentions a premium for well centered lightly used.

Early Australian commonwealth stamps are notorious for variable centering with medium to high value well centered stamps usually doing very well compared to their off-centered counterparts.

All in the eye of the beholder of course, but give me a well centered stamp with a light cancellation for the issue but with a pulled perforation over a poorly centered heavily obliterated but technically perfect condition stamp any day!