Astrophilatelist- Space Cover Collector 23 May 2012 07:21:50pm
How does one value stamps with mount remnants? Are they valued like hinged stamps? I enclosed a scan of the back of a stamp with this. These are like the ones I want to sell. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.
John, if mint, i'd call them mint, disturbed gum; if used, I'd note the presence of the mounts. For mint, it will diminish the price considerably from MNH, but for used, it will likely have little effect
David
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The past is a foreign country, they do things different there. 23 May 2012 08:28:31pm
re: How to describe stamps with mount remnants?
John:
My opinions from a buyer's perspective:
If it is a straight sale (not an auction) and buyers will not have an "hands on" opportunity to examine,
then bundle it with all your similar, less-than-perfect stamps, describe the general condition of the bundle honestly - perhaps a scan of a typical example or two - and sell it at a price that simply can not be refused. Otherwise, these stamps will consume your disposable time and will be unlikely to sell.
If it's an internet auction, my opinion still holds except start it at a penny and let demand dictate the selling price.
If you are talking stamps that are far from common, provide individual or small-lot scans and accurate written description of condition(s); try a price at ten per cent of catalogue value (use whatever catalogue you have) but do not expect a stampede of buyers. Be prepared to be disappointed, very disappointed.
Savvy (synonym for "successful") postage-stamp sellers frequently include less-than-perfect stamps as bonuses in their sales pitches. It gets rid of material that doesn't move, it makes the buyer feel good.
If I represent the typical stamp buyer, then the typical buyer will not buy such stamps (faults, fillers, etc.) except in extraordinary circumstances.
Recall that these are my opinions, not advice.
John Derry
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Astrophilatelist- Space Cover Collector 15 Nov 2012 07:03:18pm
re: How to describe stamps with mount remnants?
Since I started this topic, I wanted to run something by everybody. I had bought a collection of stamps that were in mounts. When I tried to get them out of the mounts, it left mount remnents on the back. I plan to put them into auction using the used catalog values. Is this acceptable as long as this is mentioned in the lot description? Any feedback is appreciated.
by "mounts", do you mean stamp hinge remnants, or actual mounts like Showgard? The only mounts that I have seen that do that are the old Marlate Mounts that are not well designed. There are two clear slips in the front into which the stamp is supposed to be inserted, with the front piece being wrapped and secured around the stamp. (It is a big pain to get stamps out of those mounts. Often I have seen the stamps placed between the back clear piece and the black paper. It is that black paper that gets stuck to the gum and damages the stamp. It also is not acid neutral.
In any event, if there is anything that alters the normal appearance and/or condition of a stamp (cancels not included), it should be noted in the item description to alert the potential buyers.