Stamp values

gxray · Apr 14, 2009

I found boxes full of old letters ranging in date from the mid 1910's - 1960's... lots of used/cancelled stamps and some unused/noncancelled. I'm wondering about their values and if they're worth more affixed to the envelopes with the cancellation date. I'm posting some pics of a few samples(i apologize for the image quality...it is the best i can do with this cam) I just need a basic idea on some of the values. If anyone can help or point me in the right direction for help , i'd appreciate it . There are dozens of varieties and hundreds of stamps

tokenhead · Apr 14, 2009

looks like commons...if ones on envelopes are FDC's(first day covers/first day of issue)they are worth a few bucks each,but some command as high as $1000.00+,if a stamp is on an envelope leave it there,if you try&remove you will ruin value.get clearer pics of stamps on envelope(cover)w/cancel,then others can(me)see if they are FDC's...is the 2 1/2 c. stamp on an envelope? at your local library they will have a SCOTT'S stamp value book,little confusing for a novice but will educate you&give you a better idea of what you have...keep us posted!!! :icon_study:

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HH ALL!!!

Silver Eagle · Apr 14, 2009

There are not many valuable stamps printer after 1930.. As stated, they are more valuable if left on cover.
To I.D older stamps - http://1847usa.com/

gxray · Apr 15, 2009

The 2 1/2 cent stamp is a Propriatary Internal Revenue Stamp with "Richard Hudnut January 1946 " overprint on it. It is not on an envelope.

Mackaydon · Apr 16, 2009

Silver Eagle:
Great above reference you gave.
Thanks.
Don.....

AU24K · May 6, 2009

In Scott's Specialized Catalog, older stamps are listed with a date of first known useage. If you have one that predates their listing, you have BIG money. Also, listed are premiums for different color cancellations. If your stamps don't fall into either of these 2 categories, it would probably be ok to soak them off the covers.
Scott

Silver Eagle · May 6, 2009

Daddytopcat said:
In Scott's Specialized Catalog, older stamps are listed with a date of first known useage. If you have one that predates their listing, you have BIG money. Also, listed are premiums for different color cancellations. If your stamps don't fall into either of these 2 categories, it would probably be ok to soak them off the covers.
Scott

I wouldn't say big bucks the way the stamp markets going.! Colors & EKU's must be sent for cert to verify they are genuine.. There is no premium for colors or EKU's without certification.. Expertizing costs $$ that may or may not earn a return profit for the owner.. With that said, without cert, it would be hard to convince anyone of the authenticity of a particular piece and this is definetly not something a begginer could verify... FWIW, the authorities often argue over these matters.. However,I would have to be 98% sure I had something different to certify before sending any stamp to PF or PSE..! The only way to be certain of this is to study, study study.. :icon_study:

FWIW, used stamps are worth more if left on cover.! The only reason to remove a stamp from the cover would be to verify a water mark that could seperate a commen stamp from a rarity..

AU24K · May 10, 2009

Silver Eagle said:
Daddytopcat said:

In Scott's Specialized Catalog, older stamps are listed with a date of first known useage. If you have one that predates their listing, you have BIG money. Also, listed are premiums for different color cancellations. If your stamps don't fall into either of these 2 categories, it would probably be ok to soak them off the covers.
Scott

Click to expand...

I wouldn't say big bucks the way the stamp markets going.! Colors & EKU's must be sent for cert to verify they are genuine.. There is no premium for colors or EKU's without certification.. Expertizing costs $$ that may or may not earn a return profit for the owner.. With that said, without cert, it would be hard to convince anyone of the authenticity of a particular piece and this is definetly not something a begginer could verify... FWIW, the authorities often argue over these matters.. However,I would have to be 98% sure I had something different to certify before sending any stamp to PF or PSE..! The only way to be certain of this is to study, study study.. FWIW, used stamps are worth more if left on cover.! The only reason to remove a stamp from the cover would be to verify a water mark that could seperate a commen stamp from a rarity..

I agree. Different watermarks, "grills", etc. Also, if left on cover, they can be desireable to collectors due to the amount of information on the cover.
Scott