Year Of The Pig Missing Gold Stamp 2201i

I've recently talk to Robin Harris, editor of the Unitrade Specialized Catalogue of Canadian Stamps and I asked if there's finally going to a price for the year of the pig missing gold stamp in this year's catalogue. This is the answer I got:

"I receive pricing data from many dealers across Canada each year (I take these numbers and update the listings where applicable). Unfortunately, no one supplied a price for 2201a missing colour error again this year.

I don't have an answer as to why the dealers are reluctant to offer a listing for the catalogue? Not yet a stable market for this item? More being found? Too many fakes being offered? "

I've seen these stamps go for +/- 20-25$ on ebay. I was wondering if someone had any info on the stamp (Qty, origine, how to spot a fake, etc...)

Thank you in advance

I am not familiar with modern Canadian stamps. However, in general...

Gold pigments are usually one of most easy to remove chemically, along with yellow and some orange pigments. However, it is almost impossible to remove cleanly, and even more difficult to remove cleanly without leaving a tell-tale sign.

The best way is to compare an error stamp and a couple of normal stamps side-by-side; they must be mint never hinged. You will need a very good magnifier (minimum 6x) and a filtered dual wavelength UV lamp (short/long wavelengths). The UV tests can be rather complicated, so I don't want to type out the explanation unless you have access to at least a philatelic grade UV lamp, but preferably a research grade UV lamp.

However, you can at least do the following basic visual tests:

Make sure the error stamp has the same undisturbed gum as the normal stamps. If it has disturbed or missing gum, you are wasting your money.

Use the magnifier under a strong "natural" light and look at the gold and gold-missing parts. Convince yourself you don't see any obvious gold remnant.

I've often wondered about this Year of the Pig issue, and how it could be possible for so many error copies to have been found. There's a site on the internet that tracks all of the prices realized at major auctions for valuable Canadian stamps, and it's interesting to see how the market has crashed on Mr. Pig.

http://www.canadianstampcentral.com...00/2201i.htm

The common variety here is missing both the gold and "rainbow" colours. What is interesting is that there are some copies that are missing the gold but not the "rainbow" foil stamping.

http://www.canadianstampauctions.co...mber_106.htm

Ryan

I've got a full pane of 25 of the year of the pig missing gold stamp. Anyone think I should get a certificate of authenticity? Is there a better one to get? And does someone know how much it costs?

If anyone is interested, here is my full page of the year of the pig missing gold stamps.
http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/...ssingold.jpg

It's also missing the rainbow (kind of holographic looking) print, except on one part of a stamp but it doesn't show on the scan.

According a dealer's site in Vancouver, the "estimated" value for the sheet was $2000. It sold for $880.00 at the auction. A single stamp sold for $105.00. All were MNH.

Apparently, the single stamps at first sold for as much as $995.00 EACH. I'd get a certificate just to be on the safe side.

Just seen on this site .


http://www.fvhstamps.com/WeeklyAuct...4_Lot011.jpg
Estimated sale at $100.00 CDN
David

Thanks djd, that was the site I was referring to.

Well, seems we'll never get a price for the 2007 year of the pig missing gold (and rainbow). I think it's the fourth straight year that we've got no price for the stamp. Instead only this text :

"Copies exist missing the gold and rainbow foil coulours; the editors are unable to put a price on themat present due to confusion in the market. Beware of fakes."

Oh well, maybe next year!

I wonder what is the criteria to be aware of regarding possible fakes?

I've wondered myself. I wanted to send out my copy to get a certification of authenticity, but never did. What if it turns out to be a fake. And what if the're all fakes?

I unfortunately bought a sheet of these too right when the error was first discovered =( I paid $5000 CAD for it from a dealer in Montreal. Looking back this was the dumbest thing I have ever done in my stamp collecting history =(

5K !! Wow!... That hurts. Feels like I got myself a deal here. I think I paid around 950$...I'm still wish this is not the biggest mistake I did.

At least it will 5 times less a mistake than yours :p

New Unitrade catalogue should be out soon, maybe we'll get lucky this time around.

I'm not familiar with this issue but see that my 2009 Scott catalog doesn't list the error.

What is driving the "confusion in the market" that has prevented the catalog editors from being able to provide a valuation?

Hello Minesweeper
The Greene Foundation will charge $40 to certify your sheet. You can go to www.greenefoundation.ca for the submission form and all necessary information.
GJP