Grandpa's Suitcase Of Mint, Uh US 3c To 10c Sheets, 1950-S To 1970-S - Advice Needed

inherited a suitcase full of US Mint UH sheets from the late 50s through the early 70s. Also included was a file of sleeves containing probably 4-10 of every individual issue from that period. A smaller amount of individual stamps or small bunches from the 20s and 30s are in there as well. Honestly amazed anyone was able to mail anything during that period with the proficiency of my grandfather's hoarding. All the sheets are in immaculate condition, having been stored in individual sleeves. 99.9% unused with original gum, and bright coloring. Below is a sampling of the stamps. I haven't fully counted,but the whole collection may have close to 1000 sheets. As to the advice I'm seeking, I realize that these are probably fairly common stamps, and I wouldn't be looking to retire off of them, but any advice on what type of market there might be for them would be greatly appreciated. Live in NYC and space is limited. Considering selling them as a whole. Thanks.

IndustrialNYS,

Collecting full sheets was a common practice for collectors during the inflationary 70's. I inherited a boatload of them too.

The most collectable parts of the sheets are the ones with markings on the edge (selvage). The numbers are called plate block numbers and are collectable. There are also "Mr. Zip" markings which some people collect. They are usually collected in blocks of four or in later issues enough stamps to "surround" the marking. (Some later issues have multiple plate block numbers)

Collecting these is not as common as it once was but some still do it. As for the remaining stamps, their market value is small. I've seen some of these stamps go for much less than their face value.

Dan

An afterthought:

If you want more information on plate blocks, stampsmarter.com is a good place to start.

http://stampsmarter.com/features/Pl...ockHome.html

Dan

Thanks Dan. As you can see from some of the samples I posted, most of my sheets do have the plate block numbers, and many of them have Mr. Zip. I'll look into what I can do with those. From my research before posting, I'm well aware that getting face value is a pipe dream. Is there anything else I should keep my eye out for during that period? Also, seeing that I'd most likely be willing to take a discount to face value, is there a market for a collection like this as a whole? Or any wholesale buyers in particular you might be aware of? Seeing how bright all the colors still are, I was even thinking there might be a market for them in the art supply world, though I'm sure that might be anathema to some on this board. ;) Though I love looking at them, and appreciate the history, I think whatever pennies I could get for them would be better spent on more scarce collectibles, or my son's college fund. Any tips appreciated...

If you want to sell them as sheets, you might want to start by looking at ebay. Search for "US Stamps Sheets" and then look at the SOLD listings. You can select by denomination.

That should give you some idea of the market value. There might be some surprises in there.
Dan

If you look around on ebay you'll see the market is flooded with this kind of material. Lower denominations tend to be the worst (who has room for 18 3 cent stamps to mail a letter?).

What might do better? multiples of stamps what have denomination that is above the regular letter rate of the time (eg the 8 and 9 cent plate blocks you pictured.) Maybe the 5 cent spaceman/capsule stamps. Maybe some of the stuff from the 20's and 30's.

If you want to sell on ebay, I'd break it into a set of duplicated sheets of a single denomination. EG one each of all the 4 cent stamps. Start it a lot less than face.

I don't know of any wholesale buyers but you need to realize you will get less than the "market value." There has to be some meat on the bone for them too.

We aren't all opposed to using stamps for art.

http://www.stampsmarter.com/learnin...coupage.html

Dan

Thanks for the advice. Seeing as I don't want to make it a 2nd job for myself, if I do go the ebay route it appears the way to get both economy of scale and a slightly higher per sheet price is to group 10 or 20 sheets together at a time. I've seen some decent achieved sales with that method. I would definitely try to group them either by denomination as suggested, or by theme (space, military, statehood,etc), or perhaps even with chunks of my Mr. Zip sheets. Either that or I'll just wallpaper my whole apartment, or get into the stamp lamp business.

*** Edited by Staff - Please Review the rules that you agreed to when you registered. ***

Good luck on your project!

If you've never sold stamps before, here are some suggestions:

The more information, the better. Pictures (front and back), Scott catalog numbers and condition (mint not hinged or whatever applies) helps the buyer search. Be sure to note any flaws, creases, tears or bends. We are a picky lot.

Be sure to package the stamps carefully. If they don't arrive in the same condition as represented, you'll likely get an earful

Have fun!
Dan

'
A dealer at the recent ASDA show across the (Hudson) river from you offered a large carton of mint sheets with a face value of more than U$D 7000 for, if memory serves, U$D 3495.

As to plucking-off the plate blocks, fuggedaboudit: that's collector logic, not market reality.

In fact, the plate block market is similarly flooded ... because of all those people breaking-down mint sheets for postage, and trying to make a few cents off of the plate blocks.

The world is full of dealers selling full mint sheets for straight face value precisely because they pay a good deal less than that.

One prolific advertiser is Markest Stamp Company, just east of us in Lynbrook.

Q/ What to do? Dump & run.

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey

Google and find your local Stamp Club. They are around.

Jack kelley

It might be worth getting in touch with this guy:

https://www.usmintsheets.com/

Wayne specializes in US Postage.

I'm not a seller, but there is a market for mint sheets. You are correct in that what you've shown are not rare in any sense, but if you list them, would like to know.

Someone feel free to correct me, but you'll probably sell lots of 5-10 sheets faster, but will make more if you sell them individually over a longer period.

danstamps54 above is also on target; if you decide to sell, figure out how you are going to ship. Folding up a sheet will likely end up with a return. Factor that in, as you can't just use a standard envelope. I like sheets, but not all bended up and gnarly. Just food for thought and good luck.

Thank you everyone for all your advice. I will definitely investigate those buyers that you've mentioned, as well as a couple others that I've come across. As much as I like to believe that I have the patience to sell on a site such as ebay, reality is that it's probably just not going to happen. I think my optimism got ahead of itself. I guess my first step is to tally up the total face value on the stamps so I can at least get a starting point. I have no problem at all allowing a more patient person than myself the opportunity to make money off my back. That's the nature of the beast. Thanks again.