New User, couple questions!

Dion

Hello,
I inherited a sizable stamp collection many years ago from a relative.

I recently discovered that the collection includes several higher value stamps, which brings me to my question.

I have the following stamps, unused. They have been untouched since the 1950's, and appear to be in excellent condition.

Scott C13, C14, and C15 singles. All three are in individual glassine envelopes and all three have a hinge attached to the rear of the stamp.

Scott C13, C14, and C15 Vertical pairs of 2. All in individual glassine envelopes, Unhinged.

Scott C13, C14, and C15 Horizontal plate # blocks of 4. All in individual glassine envelopes, Unhinged.

Less significant but nonetheless...

Scott C18 Bottom margin Plate # block of 10, unhinged, but the left and right side stamps have been folded in along the perforations.

Scott C18 Bottom margin Plate # block of 4, unhinged.

I have already contacted the folks at PSE reguarding getting the stamps graded and encapsuated (if possible).

What steps should be taken to protect these stamps from any sort of damage prior to being sent to PSE? (If any).
What precautions should I take prior to sending items such as these for grading?

Any advice is sincerely appreciated!

rolew1946

The American Philatelic Society (APS) has a very good web site that discusses preservation.

http://www.stamps.org/CARE/Pcpm.htm

You should find the information very helpful.

Rolin Lewis

edueku

You might want to see if any are worth being graded as opposed to just having them authenticated as genuine etc. PSE doesn't grade blocks. They only grade singles and coil pairs. You should go to the PSE homepage and click on the photo grading area that shows examples of centering and the grade such centering is awarded. There really isn't much point in getting stamps graded unless it is going to receive a high grade(at least a 90+ except on newer issues) Of course the airmails you have would be worth it if they are completely without flaws and VERY well centered. A low grade on these might actually hurt the value you could sell for with compared to an ungraded cert. Try posting some pictures, we can give you an opinion on centering,condition etc.

Dion

Thank you very much for the advice.

Here's some scans.
(high res available.. Just remove the "thumb" from the image source.)
(Also, rear scans available. just change the "front" to "rear".)

Dion

More scans..

Dion

And the block scans...
(sorry if they're too big!)

dougwtx

I would not spend the money on getting them graded. The centering does not look good enough for a high grade and since these are pretty common, an ungraded cert would not add that much value either. Does the collection have many of the pre-1900 issues? Some of the regular issues from that period are worth getting certified to identify any faults and the correct Scott number. If you do send them in, get some plastic approval cards. Then use some cardboard as extra backing and it should be pretty safe getting to PSE. You could also send them in the small Priority Mail boxes to lessen the chance of the PO bending it, but still put the stamp in a plastic approval card.

covers

Dion - If you provide me with 300 dpi scans of the front and backs of the stamps you wish to sell, I can make you an offer that would probably be around what you would get on ebay - or suggest a good auction house or two. Certs really aren't needed.

If you want to keep the stamps, I suggest a high quality stockbook.

Dion

Here are links to the high resolution pictures. (Front and Back)
Singles:
65C Front
65C Back
130C Front
130C Back
260C Front
260C Back

Pairs:
65C Pair Front
65C Pair Back
130C Pair Front
130C Pair Back
260C Pair Front
260C Pair Back

Blocks:
65C block Front
65C block Back
130C block Front
130C block Back
260C block Front
260C block Back

I am interested in selling these, as I am obviously not a collector.. And would strongly prefer to see them preserved and enjoyed..

covers

email me

Dion

<< <i>email me at covers@rfrajola.com >>


Done!

coinpictures

Very nice. Those NH pairs are very attractive.

covers

For the curious - I have suggested two good auctioneers close to Dion (as well as made a cash offer).

Dion

I'd again like to thank you all for the assistance.
It is pleasant to see there are still helpful/considerate people out there!