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Much has been said about the new
pricing system the Scott catalog, the
"bible" of American stamp collecting, is using. Since I have been
collecting worldwide stamps for about 60 years, I'd like to give you my opinion
on the subject.
First of all, I collect stamps for the fun of it. I love to fill pages and it
gives me great satisfaction. Here in the US, the Scott catalog is the glue
that holds our hobby together. The valuable information in it provides the means
to identify and price stamps systematically. It allows us to distinguish stamps
that look alike but may be different by shades, perforations, watermarks, and
types of paper and printing.
 Sometimes we get lucky and find a better variety of a common stamp. We all hope
that someday we'll find a rare stamp and make some money from it. It probably
will never happen, but we keep on treasure hunting!
A sample entry from the Scott Catalog for Vatican City.
Now, for average collectors like me, published prices mean relatively little.
Those quoted are usually for near perfect stamps. Most of us buy stamps for the
fun of it and aren't too fussy about condition. If we need the stamp offered and
the price is reasonable, we buy it. It may not be perfect, but to us it fills a
space.
Most dealers price according to catalog value, but at a discount to their
respective values. If you examine the stamps that you buy carefully, especially
those heavily discounted, expect to find minor to major defects, including short
perfs, centering off a bit, a smudged or heavy cancellation, heavy hinging, or
maybe a thin spot. Most of us would accept a less than perfect copy.
The point I'm trying to make is this: If you are collecting stamps as a hobby,
collect for the fun of it. Yes, you'll get something back when you sell, but
don't expect to make a profit. Expectations of big profits will leave you highly
disappointed. A stamp dealer will look at your collection, decide what price he
can sell items for and offer you a flat price for the entire collection. He will
pull out the better material and then take the common leftovers and sell them
off in cheap packets. Remember that a dealer is in business to make a profit.
His time is valuable. He not only needs to take time to sort out collections,
but he has expenses as well.
The best way to get more for your stamps when you sell is to retail them in a
club that has a sales program. Price your stamps as you see fit, at a discount
from what a dealer would sell them for. It takes more time and effort this way,
but in general your return will be greater than selling to a dealer.
If you're collecting stamps only with the intention of making a profit then in
my opinion, you're not a stamp collector, but an investor. If so, you more than
likely will buy mostly from auction houses. Bidding can get fierce for more
desirable items and expect to pay top dollar. Remember, even then it's a gamble,
just like any other business. The market is bound to fluctuate, so be prepared
for the ups and downs.
The Scott catalog is a must. Rely on it as a reference for its valuable
information, but don't completely depend on it for pricing. Buy your stamps to
please yourself and I hope you all enjoy our hobby as much as I do.
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