The Philsnap App, Has Anyone Used This App? Is It Accurate? Is It A Good Tool For Beginners?

Hello,
I was curious if anyone has used the PhilSnap app to identify a stamp and if it gave an accurate value? I've been using it just to get a some idea if I have anything of value? Not thinking im setting on a treasure, but if I had a quarter for all the stamps I have, that wouldn't be disappointing to me either. But I know I have some worth a few dollars but I just would love to know others opinion on this app. Thanks so much…… Steph wintters

I have never heard of the Philsnap app......now I gotta go into my app store, find it, and then download it and try it myself.

There are really no shortcuts for accuracy and Philsnap is a prime example. What Philsnap cannot do is important. It cannot accurately identify "types" wherein for example an engraving or color shade difference makes a big difference. It cannot check for watermarks which is often important. The perforation rate I would also call into question given that the app is using an image that you provide. It cannot find faults such as thins or sealed tears. It cannot check gum for regumming, light hinging or disturbance etc.

The value of the app identification is most questionable because if you want to sell a stamp or interact with other collectors you need a catalog number with Scott the most widely recognized and accepted. I have not seen the app having a Scott numbering license so that is a deal breaker right there. You need a catalog number and that means doing the work the traditional way.

If you want to have some fun and accuracy isn't that important than have at it.

I agree with Rog and would go a step further: don't even bother with these apps. Not worth the time. Pick up a catalog - even an older, used one will do - and you will gain a much better sense of what you have and how much it's worth.

Ok then I'll disregard downloading the app. For me I was just looking for an enhancement. Thank gawd though I already have a set of Scott Catalogs at home, albeit outdated.

Dont buy the app, buy the Scott Catalog. Its your best resource

One of the best catalogs you can buy especially if your into older stamps is the

2026 SCOTT CATALOGUE CLASSIC SPECIALIZED (WORLD 1840-1940)

Even if you buy an older version of this catalog its still just as good. Once you have it, the content for the most part doesn't change

Scott Catalogs (if you can avoid modern issues plenty of old ones, like a 1970 version, won't take up your entire shelf) plus google image search will meet most needs.

I use a 2008. Cheaper and still the same stamps.

I have a 2005 that I don't need.

If you're going to be buying one Classic Specialized to last you for the foreseeable future, buy the newest one that feels "affordable" to you. New listings were added all the time; practically every year, if not literally every year. Locals, semi-official airmails, railway stamps. It's a long list.

My 2d.

Was there a certain point when they made all the pictures smaller, like Scott did with some of their other catalogs a few years ago? If so, what year was that? I'd like to get the latest one with the bigger pictures.

I think the app is an excellent place for a novice to start. I have no idea where to even start looking in a catalogue. I can spend hours looking for 1 stamp. the app will likely find the stamp, the issue, and year. I can do this in 30 seconds and less for each stamp. I think what the app does is use ChatGPT or some other AI agent to look for the stamps, and it returns two values: a low and a high. So, you get a range of what is on the internet that it found. the app then takes the average and assigns a value to your stamp.
I did upload three photos of stamps I have that seemed to have a high value. and, I have around 100 Penny Red stamps, some in very good condition. I also have a mint China Junk Ship that is identical to one for sale on ebay for $1,899.

You should keep all of your replies in the other thread that you started on a similar topic. I'm going to lock this one to avoid confusion.