Stamp Set
The Stanley Gibbons Guide to Stamp Pricing
It is a common fallacy that the prices in our catalogues show what a stamp is ‘worth’, should you wish to sell it.
They are, instead, the price at which Stanley Gibbons will sell a fine example of the stamp in question, but that price includes a lot of other factors, as well as the inherent ‘value’ of the stamp itself. There are costs in running any business and these are built into the price of any stamp shown in the catalogue, although the proportion of the price that relates to the stamp and that which relates to ‘business overheads’ will vary from stamp to stamp.
What is true is that the prices shown in the catalogue represent an accurate ‘guide’ to the value of the stamps listed in it. Stanley Gibbons are now the only major philatelic publisher whose stamp catalogue is the firm’s price list. Naturally, if the prices are set too high, no one will buy our stamps, if they are too low, we will have difficulty replacing our stocks. It is therefore vitally important to the future of the company that the prices in our catalogues are set as accurately as possible. As a result, a great deal of care is taken over those prices – which is why they are held in such authority by collectors, dealers and stamp auction houses throughout the world.
Each year, every price in our annual catalogues is checked and amended if necessary, having regard to the prices being achieved at auction as well as the demands of our customers at 399 Strand and orders coming in via the post, email and our website. Prices are held, increased or reduced according to those factors, giving a very accurate picture of the state of the market for each and every stamp.
Can stamps be purchased for less than the prices quoted in this catalogue?
Of course they can. Stanley Gibbons themselves will frequently have stamps in stock at prices lower than ‘full catalogue’. Every business offers discounts and makes ‘special offers’ from time to time and Stanley Gibbons is no different. That apart, however, it should always be remembered that the prices quoted in the catalogues are for stamps in fine condition. Stamps with minor defects, heavy postmarks, slight fading and other flaws will frequently be offered at lower prices, both by Stanley Gibbons and by other dealers and auction houses.
It is very important that, when you are thinking of buying a stamp for your collection, you carefully consider the condition of the item in question. Does it match up to the Stanley Gibbons definition of ‘Fine’? If it doesn’t, is the price at which it is being offered too high? If you believe that the price is higher than it should be, leave it alone – or if you are really desperate, haggle for a better deal.
The knowledge as to what is ‘fine’ and therefore worthy of ‘full catalogue’ is one that you will gain with experience and will vary from stamp to stamp. Any stamp less than 100 years old should really be perfect in every way, but one can be more forgiving with older issues.
Briefly, here are a few of the things to consider.
Gum
For unused stamps issued after 1936 prices are for unmounted mint – stamps never previously hinged. Modern stamps with hinge marks should be substantially discounted. For earlier stamps, heavy mounts and multiple hinges will also detract from the value, while unused stamps with the gum removed are worth considerably less.
Margins
For imperforate stamps these should be clear on all sides – the design should not be cut into or even touching the edge of the stamp.
Perforations
Check that these are complete, that none are missing or short, especially at the stamp corners. Ideally the margin between the stamp design and the perforations should be even and well balanced – known as ‘well centred’.
Paper
Check that there are no tears or thins to the paper – on the front as well as the back – and that there are no bends or creases. Again, the greater the damage the further away from ‘full catalogue’ the stamp is worth.
Postmarks
These should be clear, clean and should not disfigure the stamp. The prices for all British stamps issued after 1880 assume used stamps to be cancelled with a clean, clear circular datestamp. Heavy parcel, wavy line or slogan cancellations reduce stamp values significantly. On the other hand, very lightly cancelled stamps should sometimes be viewed with suspicion. There needs to be enough of the postmark showing to prove that the stamp has really been used!
If the above notes seem complicated, don’t worry. You will soon become adept at viewing every stamp in the light of its condition and deciding what proportion of catalogue you are prepared to pay. If you are not certain, ask the dealer for a guarantee that he will refund your money if you’re not happy with your purchase. All good dealers will be happy to provide this.
So, buy carefully – but, above all, have fun!
For a more in-depth guide to condition and how Stanley Gibbons define, ‘fine’, visit http://bit.ly/hmWodb
About the Author
Sale-A-Bration: Bliss Project
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