Question About Meter Stamp Values.

In reviewing the US Postage Meter Catalog.

https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Unite...tamp_Catalog

There are rarity listings from R to RRRR. While this is very helpful I have a couple of questions about the rating and the catalog. If anyone collects I would be interested to know the approximate value of a loose stamp based upon its rarity. Also, and I am assuming it's not a complete list of all varieties, but assuming you found unlisted denominations would that put the stamp in the RRRR category? Thanks in advance!

Have you considered the Meter Stamp Society?


Peter

hac5x3,
Here's the description of the rating system:

https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Unite...y_and_values

This is probably the most complete catalog of meter types you will find. Additions are still being made. I've added a few minor variations myself.

The "rarity" index is based on a 27 year-old survey of Meter Stamp Society Members. It was a small group then and even smaller now. I would take the "rarity" factor listed with a BIG grain of salt. The survey sample was small and the market for meters is very thin. With some notable exceptions, most meters are inexpensive. Most can be had for a few dollars. If you can find them for sale.

I think meters are fun an interesting to collect. But this is a very minority opinion. If you like meters, consider joining our group!
https://www.meterstampsociety.com/

Dan


Dan

Rarity factor: While the meter stamp catalog linked above is extensive, it is clearly a work in continuous progress as witnessed by a dozen edits listed for May and June 2021 alone. New discoveries are being made all the time. New meter types and styles are being introduced. I cannot speak for the editors, but based on their rarity discussion page, I suspect the rarity rating of a new discovery would receive an R-factor based on their years of experience as collectors and editors, how likely others exist, the age, etc. Thus a discovery piece may not automatically get an RRRR rating, but perhaps something less.

Value: involves demand and thus is more complicated than just rarity. Beyond the basic meter stamp, the value is often driven by the presence of an advertising slug or illustrated corner card. Many of these advertising slugs are eagerly sought by topical collectors. As an example, there are hundreds of WWII patriotic meter slugs, some quite attractive and unique to individual users. They can command prices well beyond the R-factor of their respective meter stamp, which is often among the most common.

John makes a very good point. The slogan or slug to the left of the meter stamp can make a common meter type very collectable.

It was a collection of slogan cancels that got me interested in meters in the first place.

Dan