The Best US Catalog And Other Resources

Hi all,

I have a few questions about US catalogs. Feel free to help me with any or all of these. Thank you!


1. Is the "Scott Specialized Catalogue" the best one available for US stamps?

2. If I'm trying to identify fakes and forgeries, are there any other resources I need, or is there enough information in the catalog? (Occasionally I see a rare/expensive one online that I'd consider buying, but I want to make sure it's real before bidding.)

3. Is it better to get the electronic/online versions of catalogs these days? Any advantage in having actual books in hand?

4. For Scott, is Amos the only option? Are there ways to get new catalogs cheaply?

Thanks all!

Scott Specialized is the best general US reference and the industry standard. I use the online version but that's a matter of convenience. For many people the printed volume may be more suitable.

In general, mainstream catalogues aren't very helpful on forgeries, beyond warnings to beware of them. You need more specialist books, and there is also helpful material on the web, eg

http://stampforgeries.com

I think the word "general" describes the catalog. I wished it would be the word "specialized" that set the tone here.


Peter

While I understand Peter's point, the difference between the "regular" catalog, i.e., the Volume 1 of the entire world set, and the "Specialized" is that the generic information in the "regular" catalog is just that. There's little to nothing for back-of-the-book, such as revenues, or proofs, or postal stationery. The inclusion of that material is what makes the "Specialized" what it is.

Given the sheer size of the Specialized as it stands, I don't know how much more can be added to it before it gets split.

For better or worse, it is the standard. Amos is it if you want a brand new catalog...or sold through other outlets but at the same price. If you don't need the current years, and it sounds like you probably do not, buy one that is a few years old off ebay.

The Scott Specialized catalog is available to view on line? I didn't know this. Can anyone point me to where it can be found?

If you are interested in older material, a new catalog is not that important important so you can pick up a 2 to 3 year catalog for significantly less. It will not be a great help for fakes and forgeries. You will need a more specialized guide that usually focuses on a series like Washington Franklins. There are various reference books from hobby supply like Amos as well as specialist societies.