Special Printings Stamps

Really, really, really - three reallys - ok - I can live with that.

Really?

The 2c red brown is definitely not a Special Printing. The color is not what you need to concentrate on— you need to be looking at the impression of the stamp. Think "proof-like" impression.

Look at my older posts, and a few months back I posted an image of my 211B, certed copy. Look and you'll find it and see the difference.
Ray

5c Taylor bright blue
2c Washington pale brown. Used special printing
1c Washington ultra scissor cut on piece of paper
3c blue green unused

We've sent to American Philatelic society and philatelic foundation along with others. We asked what they would charge to certify a special printing. That's the only question I asked. You can not certify a stamp by looking at a picture. I did not ask if you agreed with me. You can not send a special printing in without knowing what they charge. These have not been found so there's no book price.

In the case of the Philatelic Foundation the question is clearly answered at their website under FAQ. They will charge you 5.5 percent of submitted catalog value. If you have misidentified it at submission (a virtual certainty if you submit any of these as a special printing) the cost will be adjusted to the catalog value of the properly identified stamp.

What does the PF expertize?
The Philatelic Foundation expertizes nearly everything related to stamps. This includes stamps from both the United States and abroad. This includes stamps of any form (singles, blocks, plate blocks, etc.) and stamps on documents including postal history (envelopes).

Return to Top

How much does it cost?
– Standard Service: Approximate turnaround 30-35 business days for US. Fee is 5.5% of submitted value with a minimum fee of $27.00 (maximum $1,000.00).
– Priority Service: Approximate turnaround 20 business days for US. Fee is 5.5% of submitted value + $10.00 per item with a minimum fee of $37.00 (maximum $1,000.00).
– Express Service: Approximate turnaround 15 business days for US. Fee is 5.5% of submitted value + $20.00 per item with a minimum fee of $47.00 (maximum $1,000.00).
– Covers (Envelopes): Approximate turnaround 30-35 days. Fee is 5.5% of submitted value with a minimum fee of $40.00 (maximum $1,000.00). Only US covers can be submitted for Priority or Express Service.

Foreign Stamps and Covers

– Standard Service: Approximate turnaround 30-35 business days. This may increase to 90-150 business for exceptionally difficult items. Fee is 5.5% of submitted value with a minimum fee of $35.00 (maximum of $1,000.00). This is with the exception of a) overprints (including those not found genuine) and b) used examples in which the value is in the cancellation in which the minimum fee will be $50.00. Unfortunately, there is no Priority or Express service with foreign stamps and covers.

Return to Top

Do opinions change?
The Philatelic Foundation is often asked to re-examine stamps and covers that have received prior certificates. Prior opinions may change for a variety of reasons including changes in technology, new research and scholarship, and the presence of new flaws (such as thins and creases) that were not present when the item was previously examined by our Expert Committee. In addition, the perceived importance of condition characteristics within the philatelic community (and the corresponding impact on value) has evolved over time, particularly in recent years. As such, older certificates focused primarily on genuineness with condition being of secondary importance. Notwithstanding these factors, the number of stamps and covers that receive a new opinion that is less favorable than the prior opinion is small (approximately 1% of newly issued certificates) and, occasionally, a stamp or cover once thought to be fraudulent is determined to be genuine based on new information that was not available at the time of a prior submission. The Philatelic Foundation understands that overturning a prior opinion changes the potential market value of the item in question, and we therefore recognize the importance of the accuracy of our opinions. Revisions to prior opinions are reviewed by a committee of our Trustees and the Executive Director, who also serves as the chairman of the Expert Committee, prior to being processed and finalized.

Return to Top

What if my item is fake or not what I thought it was?
If you submit an item and is found to be either a forgery, counterfeit or simply misidentified, the Philatelic Foundation will adjust the cost of the submission. For forgery and counterfeits, the cost will be the minimum charge of $27.00. Misidentified stamps will be based on the value of the correctly identified stamp with the minimum charge being $27.00.

except there is no catalog value for the used special printings that Rogerblades is convinced that he has. None of these special printings have been certified as used copies - Rogerblades' stamps will be the first.

The PF actually charges 5.5 percent of submitted value, which is described on their form as the greater of catalog or market value. Since neither exists for these items, if the OP wants to submit any of these (I am not saying that I think that is a wise choice), I suggest a call to the PF to discuss an appropriate amount for the check to be included with the submission. The final payment will be adjusted post certification, as stated by others previously.

As Roger states there is no listing or value for his special printings as they are the discovery copies. I am sure he will come up with a value and this forum will be the first to gaze upon the certificates. It will be an honor.

My very limited experience was submitting a "new" major plate variety. Sent in with a friends submissions, since it was easier.
Not listed in Scotts as the identification as a foreign entry was the new part.
Included an article from the Chronicle about it.
Certified as what it is, a foreign entry but with a fake cancel.

They only charged the base fee, which was a bit of a surprise. I'd been expecting an upcharge.

For expertising special printings I would trust Mr. W T Crowe. In fact I use Mr. Crowe for any question I have.If it takes nominal time he charges 3.00 for an opinion.All stamps shown here are 3.00 candidates.
He was the senior expertiser for P.F. for close to 20 years, signing off on some 200,000 certificates. He is currently expertising for The PF as well as Apex, so he probably will see these patients. He is an expert, and his turnaround is quick. One caveat.. I don't know if he is taking new client.
Cheers mark

edit for spelling ...etc.

Thanks for the info and help. Do you happen to know Mr. Crowes email address? Does anyone know anything about these poster stamps with the inverted center? I'm having a hard time getting the picture to upload. If this doesn't work I'll try again

Roger try the cinderella forum for best results.

To the last post asking for pictures of front and back here is:
5 c Taylor bright blue hard paper
2 c Scarlett vermillion soft porous paper
2 c Carmen vermillion hard white paper