Old German Stamps / Scott value?
CleverOrange
Posts: 3
in Stamps Forum
Hello Everyone,
I have been for, 27 years, storing a box of stamps for my uncle. He passed away last February and two nights ago I opened the box. A trip to the library ensued (Scott's 2007) then a few lookups.
My question is to anyone that has the will to answer is this. Is it right that the left hand price column is the NOT USED and the right hand is the USED?
Here is an example: On page 236 Volume 3
Nos. 14N1 - 14N12 (12) $2.80 $44.85
Set, never hinged $12.00
Now in the box is this set, never used, and maybe never touched. All stamps as if I just bought them this morning. Which number pertains to this set? And what does this "never hinged" price have to do in reference to the set in the box. Beside that the stamps in the box are in pairs not single. Pairs that are attached to each other. I am very confused about this, is Scott trying to tell me that I should lick and stick then mail them to myself? That way they would be used, and belong in the right hand column where the value is by far greater. I find it very hard to believe that the value of a used set is worth more than a set that has never seen daylight.
What do you think?
It may take me the rest of my life to go through this old box. On the upside my uncle was a perfectionist and almost every stamp is in a book or in an envelope and labeled.
Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this.
I have been for, 27 years, storing a box of stamps for my uncle. He passed away last February and two nights ago I opened the box. A trip to the library ensued (Scott's 2007) then a few lookups.
My question is to anyone that has the will to answer is this. Is it right that the left hand price column is the NOT USED and the right hand is the USED?
Here is an example: On page 236 Volume 3
Nos. 14N1 - 14N12 (12) $2.80 $44.85
Set, never hinged $12.00
Now in the box is this set, never used, and maybe never touched. All stamps as if I just bought them this morning. Which number pertains to this set? And what does this "never hinged" price have to do in reference to the set in the box. Beside that the stamps in the box are in pairs not single. Pairs that are attached to each other. I am very confused about this, is Scott trying to tell me that I should lick and stick then mail them to myself? That way they would be used, and belong in the right hand column where the value is by far greater. I find it very hard to believe that the value of a used set is worth more than a set that has never seen daylight.
What do you think?
It may take me the rest of my life to go through this old box. On the upside my uncle was a perfectionist and almost every stamp is in a book or in an envelope and labeled.
Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this.
0
Comments
Its not uncommon to find stamps where the used value is higher than unused. The reason was many of the stamps were printed but rarely used, so if you have a copy that is still on the envelope it was mailed with, it can bring much higher than unused. Some countries also print stamps mainly for revenue knowing international dealers will buy their stamps for collecting purposes. Most are CTO (cancelled to order) and are not highly valued in the stamp community, but if you got one that was actually postally used, the value would most likely be greater than a fresh mint one.
From the example you gave, the 12 stamps would comprise of the set. Never hinged means no hinge mark or remnant is on the gum. Earlier stamps have values for mint never hinged and mint hinged. There will usually be a paragraph stating which years forward will only be for mint never hinged values.
But alas I have another question.
What is the never hinged value for? Does the never hinged value mean that is the value or do you add or subtract it from the value?
Another example...
B21a Souv., sheet of 2 #B14, #B21, imperf $140.00 $140.00
No. B21a hinged $52.00
On this one there isn't a NEVER hinged only a hinged.
Would this mean the value is $52.00 if hinged and not $140.00.
And $140.00 if not hinged.
These must be very stupid questions I am sorry! I am just so green on this subject.
When you need a good book to fall asleep to, read the catalog from page 1. It will explain values, conditions, their format, etc.... Each volume has the same first pages to explain the catalog.
One thing to be aware of is catalog value is not a selling value.
I did read the first pages and understand that the prices are not by any means selling value. I think that stamps are one of those things that they are only as valuable as the person who wants to buy them want to pay.
Most of what I am finding are German stamps, at least so far, and I don't think that market for them are in much demand. So it looks like I will just play with them a while, see what is there and document them. Then back in the box for the next generation to deal with.
There are some boxes of First Day Issues too. Most of these I think are US Stamps. My uncle had them mailed to himself and my grandmother had to pay for them when they came in. Apparently this went on for years. Until one came that was quite expensive and then she put the stop to it, so the story goes. I am curious to find out if grandma made a good deal or not.
I have album after album yet to look at, so I am happy to have found this forum and pick the brains of those in the know. Maybe by the time I finnish I will be in the know too.
Thanks for the reply's. I have no doubt I will be back.
By the way I did find the notes to tell me the points of never hinged, I would not have noticed if you had not pointed that out.