Grandfather’s Stamp book. Is this worth anything?

[bmcgawain]

I have recently been cleaning out my grandparents home before all their stuff ruins. I have found lots of family photos and old magazines that I believe were my grandfather’s dad’s. I found this stamp book and it has some interesting and seemingly old stamps in it. It’s not a completed book. It’s probably 50% complete. They mostly appear to be post marked, but not all. Only the colored parts are actual stamps. The black and white is the book’s illustration of what the stamp looks like. Is there any value to a book like this? I see a few hand written notes that have some value associated to an individual stamp or two. I am assuming those values were from an appraisal book and would be accurate if only in a pristine condition. But there is a $4,250 number written next to one stamp specifically (see photos)
Any information as to what I have, who I could have verify it or any other helpful information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

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[Mackaydon]

The 2 cent Harding stamp was issued in 1923. Scott's Catalog notes four variations of that stamp. The most valuable is Scott's # 613. If, I repeat, IF your stamp is #613 then it is quite valuable--many more times valuable than your grandfather's figure of $4,500. But catalog value is (today) usually more than actual received values at auctions. Yes, there are exceptions.

If I believed that stamp was # 613, I'd submit it to Heritage Auctions for authentication.

https://historical.ha.com/itm/stamps/-613-1923-2-harding-rotary-the-rare-perf-11/a/998315-1356.s

Another possibility is Robert Siegel Auction Galleries:
https://siegelauctions.com/display_census.php?catno=613
If it isn't #613, then it's either 610 or 612 and worth about $1-$2.

 

[bmcgawain]

The 2 cent Harding stamp was issued in 1923. Scott's Catalog notes four variations of that stamp. The most valuable is Scott's # 613. If, I repeat, IF your stamp is #613 then it is quite valuable--many more times valuable than your grandfather's figure of $4,500. But catalog value is (today) usually more than actual received values at auctions. Yes, there are exceptions.

If I believed that stamp was # 613, I'd submit it to Heritage Auctions for authentication.

https://historical.ha.com/itm/stamps/-613-1923-2-harding-rotary-the-rare-perf-11/a/998315-1356.s

Another possibility is Robert Siegel Auction Galleries:
https://siegelauctions.com/display_census.php?catno=613
If it isn't #613, then it's either 610 or 612 and worth about $1-$2.

Thank you for this information. Do you have any information on how to identify the # 610,62,613?

 

[Mackaydon]

The 5 cent blue stamp referenced "350.00" has 15 varieties. You may also wish to submit that stamp to one of the auction houses mentioned above and ask for authentication.

My cursory opinion of the other stamps is that they are 'common'; and looking for that 'needle in the haystack' among those stamps may not be worth the time.
Don....

 

[bmcgawain]

Thank you for this information. Do you have any information on how to identify the # 610,62,613?

Upon a quick google search I understand there to be 4 varieties. 2 of which I can eliminate because 1) it’s perforated. 2) it’s 11 perforations, not 10.
This leave two types of 11 hole perforations. Flat plate and Rotary. Rotary being the valuable #613. Flat plate is the number 612.
So it seems I need to confirm that first. I sure hope it is a rotary made stamp!

 

[bmcgawain]

The 5 cent blue stamp referenced "350.00" has 15 varieties. You may also wish to submit that stamp to one of the auction houses mentioned above and ask for authentication.

My cursory opinion of the other stamps is that they are 'common'; and looking for that 'needle in the haystack' among those stamps may not be worth the time.
Don....

I appreciate that. For me, it’s most definitely worth the time. (Sentimental value if nothing else) I just know nothing about these old stamps. My grandfather had lots of cool collections of different things. Cars, guns, jewelry, coins, and lots of different treasure hunting stories and maps. If I even find one stamp worth money it’s worth the time honestly.

 

[JamieD]

Just to add on to Mackaydon‘s excellent info here is a guide to help distinguish between the 4 varieties of the 2 cent Harding stamp.

https://www.theswedishtiger.com/ID610.html

I count 11 perforations on the top and bottom of your stamp which should make it #610 or #613.

I’m not a stamp collector but in my uneducated opinion comparing the pictures to your stamp I’d say it looks more like the commoner flat press variety #613.

Jamie

 

[Mackaydon]

If you choose to research the stamps, I suggest you go online and purchase a perforation gauge.
It will run you about $2.00.
Don.........

 

[bmcgawain]

The 2 cent Harding stamp was issued in 1923. Scott's Catalog notes four variations of that stamp. The most valuable is Scott's # 613. If, I repeat, IF your stamp is #613 then it is quite valuable--many more times valuable than your grandfather's figure of $4,500. But catalog value is (today) usually more than actual received values at auctions. Yes, there are exceptions.

If I believed that stamp was # 613, I'd submit it to Heritage Auctions for authentication.

https://historical.ha.com/itm/stamps/-613-1923-2-harding-rotary-the-rare-perf-11/a/998315-1356.s

Another possibility is Robert Siegel Auction Galleries:
https://siegelauctions.com/display_census.php?catno=613
If it isn't #613, then it's either 610 or 612 and worth about $1-$2.

Well it seems pretty official it’s a flat plate stamp. Was fun to learn about this stamp though! Thanks for prompt responses and helpful feedback!

 

[Mackaydon]

Can you post a pic of the first two pages of US stamps--no matter how few the number of stamps that may total.
Thanks,
Don....

 

[bmcgawain]

Can you post a pic of the first two pages of US stamps--no matter how few the number of stamps that may total.
Thanks,
Don....

I will do that today.

 

[bmcgawain]

I will do that today.

 

[Mackaydon]

Your stamp #636 is Scott's #236 and is worth a few bucks.
Thanks for the pics.
Don.....
PS: What does your coin collection look like?

 

[bmcgawain]

Your stamp #636 is Scott's #236 and is worth a few bucks.
Thanks for the pics.
Don.....
PS: What does your coin collection look like?

I’ve got a decent penny collection several Indian head pennies. Buffalo Nickels and some silver dimes. Have a handful of silver dollars from 1880’s and mint condition silver dollars every year from 1990-2001. Also have some old coins grandpa found metal detecting. Not really sure what those are.

 

[Mackaydon]

"Also have some old coins grandpa found metal detecting. Not really sure what those are."
Post some pics and we'll try to figure them out.
Don......