It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. - Aristotle Onassis 27 Jan 2013 06:24:08pm
Hi all,
I have this plate block of US J99 and I have a 2012 Scott US Specialized Catalog. The listing for this stamp has two plate block of 4 mint values. I've seen this in the catalog for quite a few other stamps as well. Is this block worth $5 or $22.50 and what is the difference between the two? Does this difference apply to all of the listings with two "P# Block of 4" values?
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"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou"
The difference in value is because of the gum type. Your plate block has shiny gum (I know because of the plate number) so it is the lesser valued of the two.
The dull gum variety is the more expensive one. Plates 37876 and 37877 were used for shiny gum J99 stamps and they are also the only two plates associated with the dull gum variety.
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. - Aristotle Onassis 27 Jan 2013 07:29:57pm
re: Postage Due - How to read catalog
Thank you for your help. Now I'm curious....was the dull gum produced on purpose? And if so, why?
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"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou"
Dull gum production was intentional. While I can't say with any certainty why dull (or dry) gum was introduced, this extract from a Linns' Refresher Course article may provide a clue:
"Interleaving was used in booklets until the 1970s, when the development of a synthetic dry or dull gum eliminated concerns about the stamp panes sticking together."
The entire article is at http://www.linns.com/howto/refresher/booklets_20000925/refreshercourse.aspx
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. - Aristotle Onassis 29 Jan 2013 08:01:07am
re: Postage Due - How to read catalog
Thank you for the info!
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"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou"
