Hello everyone,
I just have a couple of questions as I'm new to stamp collecting. I received a penny black from a friend and have been trying to get all the information I can about it. I was told on another site that it was worthless but of course would like a second opinion. I also would like to know its estimated value. Any and all info is welcome. I really appreciate your time and knowledge.
The Penny Black is not a rare stamp. there were over 68,000,000 of them printed.
If you go wikipedia org and search for penny black you should be able to get a lot of information there. Ron
The other site's opinion that it was "worthless" was probably based on three factors shown in the scan:
1. Penny Blacks are valued higher if they show four clear margins; your stamp has only two clear margins (the edges of the stamp where a "white space" shows beyond the design).
2. Your stamp's design has been cut into at the top and right side, diminishing it's value; although related to point 1, in this case the design cuts seem quite deep.
3. A clear, easily discernible cancel is more desirable than an indistinct or smudged cancel, as shown on the scan.
IMHO, I doubt if you could get €40 to €50 for this stamp; it would have to have other mitigating features, like the plate number or design faults, to overcome the two issues above.
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin 30 Sep 2015 07:05:42am
re: Just received a Penny Black (Info)
Penny Blacks are a perfect example of supply and demand at work. While not rare, the demand for the stamp far exceeds the supply, hence they sell well. I was about to suggest you do an Ebay search to determine value, but seems you have already listed it. With the hundreds of penny blacks currently being sold, I doubt you will get anywhere near the price you are asking. But who knows? Certainly doesn't hurt to try.
Login to Like this post
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund Burke"
Well at $600 it has the distinction of being just about the most expensive penny black in this condition on any auction. Considering reasonable copies are $50-$75
$6 would be a better start but even at that price.....
Edited:
Sorry & normally I don't comment on what beginners who actually collect show but that item is somewhere between worthless & garbage.
Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy.. 30 Sep 2015 04:54:48pm
re: Just received a Penny Black (Info)
Truthfully, I doubt I'd even bid $6.00 for it. So many decent copies are on the market at between $75 and $150, better copies and plates might fetch more.
the estimate "worthless" in my opinion is not far off the mark. I usually try to be upbeat in these matters, but I can't find it in my heart with this one, possibly I am soured by the eBay listing at $600.00. Actually, looking at it is depressing.
The only good thing is that there may be someone who doesn't have a copy and is financially strapped willing to spend next week's lunch money.
Login to Like this post
".... You may think you understood what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you think you heard is not what I thought I meant. .... "
Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy.. 19 Nov 2015 01:06:16pm
re: Just received a Penny Black (Info)
" ..... do people where you live really spend $600 on a week's lunches? ...."
Sure, all the wealthy Colonials do that daily, and the bar bill is extra.
Login to Like this post
".... You may think you understood what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you think you heard is not what I thought I meant. .... "
Please Note: Postings that were loaded from the old Discussion Board cannot be edited.
Hello everyone,
I also would like to know its estimated value. Any and all info is welcome. I really appreciate your time and knowledge. 
