Looking To Buy My 1st Penny Black, Please Advise

I found this listed for $115, will you buy it? Assuming you don't have it, and wanted to own one. Please advise.

Assuming no thins (I don't see any), this is not an unreasonable price for this. Nice cancel.

I do not collect Great Britain but that is a nice looking stamp with a nice cancel

Peter

Yes, if sound

Not sure what your collecting habits are but quite a few of us have been bitten by the initials bug. I collect GB stamps that have my initials in the lower corner check letters, fun thing to do.

$115 is roughly the going rate for a four-margin, fault-free copy (depending on the plate). This current auction catalogue has a bunch of them for comparison -

https://www.warwickandwarwick.com/a...ns/catalogue

I haven't gotten there yet but someday I will own one. ... And the Reds too.

I got a three margin example in kiloware once... Nothing since though! :)

For your reflection.
I have resisted buying a Penny Black for 20 years, I find spending that sort of money on a collection, as it offers me more mileage of interest in stamp collecting.
That's not to say to by pass your passion, a Penny Black should hold its value for as long as you own it, just offered as a consideration.

If you purchase, let us know, and I'll see if I can identify the Maltese Cross.
(Nice stamp)

It is the key stamp in worldwide stamp collecting, though, and the only one of historical importance (I suppose you could add the 1840 2d blue). I bought one in the Stamp Arcade in the Strand in the '60s with my prize - a few bob - from a quiz at the Grammar School stamp club. It even has a couple of margins.

If I were in the market for a penny black I'd be paying $115 for that without any hesitation, assuming it's fault free of course. It's a visually appealing example!

I do have one Geoff,
A member of SCF donated it, (had my initials)
Just very slightly damaged.
I had the temerity to hinge Her Maj.

I agree. If I "needed" one and the price was within my budget, I'd consider that example. It's got eye appeal.

If you're buying it based on the image and haven't seen it in person, I'd make sure the seller accepts returns, just in case.

In my opinion, a little patience will pick you up an example with 4 clear margins at the price (this one is on the close side at left for my taste), or a similar quality at a bit lower price. But if you want to scratch the itch now, this one isn't a terrible deal.

Thanks for all the inputs. Very helpful. I am going to be more patient, but be on the lookout for ones with my initials and better margins.