I Need A Lot Of Front Of Book Space Filler Stamps

I have a bit of extra money, only like $300 or so, but I'm looking for someone who might have like 300 shoe boxes of duplicate US stamps. I'm looking for ugly, torn, toned, staple holed, corner missing stamps that I might be able to get for like 10% or less CV. I have a Excell spreadsheet for stamps needed. I'm posting a picture that shows that I dont have a problem with ugly stamps, as long as the fill a hole in my album for now. Also, I would not co wider myself a novice, and will also say I have most stamps till 1980 that have a CV above $20. Most of my stamp needs are not common as far as CV price goes. Most of my needs are pre Scott #301.

May we ask why you're doing it this way? (i.e. why not buy the keepers you can afford slowly instead of more fillers?) I guess your definition of filler may vary from others too, so...

I'm not sure your expectations are realistic, but by all means post your 'do not have/need list' and see what people come up with. Double-quoted columns, comma delimited or something similar and easy to cut/paste into a spreadsheet would be best (I think - others may have 'best recommendation').

Well I did say I have a spreadsheet of stamp needs. I wanted to ask in this community before buying individual stamps on ebay or other sites.. I'm confused about your first question about why I am asking for stamps that are not in great condition, vs saving for good stamps. I feel the term "space filler" kind of explains that. A stamp to fill a space in an album until I can afford a better looking stamp. I'm also confused as to how my definition of "filler" could differ from others, since I literally posted a picture that shows examples of stamps I own, where condition is often poor (especially my #70).

In short, I do not see the point of your post. I'm not sure how I was confusing for you. Basically I said I had a little bit of extra money, wanted to see if someone has a ton of duplicates that I could buy space filler stamps (universally know as stamps to "fill" holes in collection until better versions are attainable) and that if there was someone interested, I could send them a spreadsheet. I have bought many stamps for 10% of CV for ugly stamps, so I know my explications are reasonable and realistic.

My interpretation is that James was trying to help you protect your investment. A good number of us here, myself included, would rather spend $300 on one scarce stamp in great condition and live to fight another day.

That said, I consider you a "stamp collector." You are building a collection comprised of stamps you like, including some that have faults.

Well, reason for question #1....when buying stamps that are badly torn, repaired or damaged it is unlikely you'll ever be able to recover what you've spent at no loss. Buying slightly better, sound but poorer graded stamps is the minimum I'd recommend if you ever hope to recover the money spent (Most collectors have a "minimum" grade/quality in mind for their collection, and I suspect call anything less a space filler for their collection).

My reference to posting a delimited list was due to my belief that you cannot post a spreadsheet file here in this forum (like an excel worksheet).

My question about being realistic had to do with your perspective of damaged stamps as space fillers vs mine a sound but poorly graded stamps (i.e. good, very good vs poor /
major faults).

I guess you both don't understand. Some people collect stamps to collect, not invest. I collect to collect. To enjoy stamps. To fill holes, and to have completed pages. I would also like to encourage you, James, to maybe not give your own perspective of what/how people collect. Your question assumed you had the same perspective as everyone else as to what filler stamps are. If you are confused as to why/how I posted my original post, than perhaps the post isn't for you. If you feel the need to comment on a post, and basically say "why are you posting this, and good luck because you won't get what you're asking", perhaps you shouldn't comment. You do you in how you collect, I'll do me and don't need help with how I collect. If you don't have ugly stamp you want to sell for pennies on the dollar, than this post is not for you.

I am sorry I bothered to respond and waste my time trying to help.

Magguss, check Golden Valley Stamp Auctions. They usually have a smattering of higher end US stamps with minor flaws that can be had for 10-25% of catalog value. Their current auction closes tomorrow BTW.

Another option to fill holes is to consider proofs. Early US classic era proofs on India paper or card aren't very expensive and are a nice way to showcase the beauty of early designs & colors.

I don't understand what I didn't understand, but I understand there was no understanding.

Shermae. I'm sorry my frustration of James comments included you. I just felt that protecting an investment was a rather presumptuous opinion on why I collect stamps, particularly since I specifically said "space filler". I'm not sure how most stamp collectors don't know what "space filler" means, therefore I was confused why someone would post I judgement and a question of what space filler is, when I obviously provided a picture. Should I have specified that I obtained my #70 for $25 due condition? Most people might categorize it as a half way to the trash, damaged stamp that has no value. I think it has character and fills a hole in my collection.

Even if I get a unused 70, I would never get rid of my current 70. It's a bit presumptuous to assume I only buy stamps for their investment value. It's kind of like saying "you only bought that painting because of how much it will be worth in the future". My frustration is being judged for how choose to collect co side ring my current budget. I didn't say I had $10,000 to spend. I said I would like to spend my money on multiple space fillers, not 1 $300 stamp. So yes, I still would say that I don't understand the point of James comment. I'm getting the feeling that most people on this site might not read/go to the buy section of this forum. I'm thinking my Facebook groups of stamp collecting friends may be a better avenue.

Edit: Unclear what you define as "help" James....

It is unfortunate that this topic went a little sideways. From what I have experienced here, almost everyone is here because they like collecting stamps and not for investment purposes. James may have unintentionally pushed your buttons, but I do think he was trying to help you, not judge you.

You gave me a lot to think about Maguss because I have lots of holes, not just in high value US, but in high value worldwide. I think I would enjoy my collection even more if some of the holes were filled with "dogs" or "weeds" - two of the terms I have heard used for space fillers.

Even more, you made me think of the "character" that those dogs can bring to an album. How did that stamp lose its corner? Was it a stamp collector who unintentionally pulled that perf or created the thin when he took off a stamp?

I don't have material for you, but I like the way you think.

Best, BobbyT

Maguss, if you haven't checked out the lengthy posts in "collecting philosophy", I highly recommend it. It will give you insight into those who use this site, many "simpáticos" to your way of thinking.

Maguss to follow up on canyoneer suggestion regarding proofs - I have attached some cardboard plate proof jpgs probably issues you might be looking for. The Catalogue Value for the proofs on card #3 and #4 is $250 each vs $900 and $1100, for #40-47 is $50 each except for #41 which is $75 vs regular issue #40 at $600 and all the others between $1200 and $3600 each, and for #120 & #129 proof on card it is $140 each vs $650 and $1000 for the regular issue and for #121 and #122 proof on card it is $170 each vs $375 and $2000. Compare these catalogue values you might find than it might cost you less to buy a proof in nice shape at a smaller discount from the Scott Catalogue value (and a beautiful stamp) rather than a damaged regular stamp at a bigger discount from catalogue (eg #122 the 90c value regular issue catalogues $11,000 mint and $2,000 used whereas the proof on card catalogues $170). You would pick and choose the best option for you. Obviously the decision is yours - whatever makes you happy is what is important. Just showing you a potential way to save money on the high priced items you are missing. In my collection I also have damaged stamps to fill empty holes - I agree with your philosophy on that. I do a little repair job on the damaged stamp so you would have to look hard to see the damage and the space in my album is filled. I think the proofs are an especially nice alternative when the regular issue is imperforate like #3 and #4 pictured above. And if still to pricey a minor defect on the proof is always another alternative to keep the cost down.

Only took ten months, but this thread has officially been bumped. I for one don't believe in fillers. If the space stays empty, it stays empty.

I agree with classic-paper half half. I would never ever buy a fascimile, but I would buy a proof of a particularly gorgeous stamp. I'm not out to complete a collection of an entire country. I'm out here picking things I like. Some might call what I have an accumulation but I'm quite happy with it.

Interesting thread, are there cases in which a space would be left open indefinitely? Or would a damaged stamp be sufficient if that would be the only chance to get the stamp? This was recently my dilemma, a scott 39 was up for sale by a reputable dealer, sold as repaired and reperfed. Still a used example of a 39 will be thousands of dollars. I bid and won the stamp for a little less than $250. How does the community feel about this situation? I certainly understand both arguments, would I have been better off buy a used vf 120 for the same price and maybe never having a chance to fill that 39 hole in my collection?