Catalogue Prices

Catalogues do not provide a fixed value to the worth of a stamp. They act as guide and a starting point from where an assessment of value can then be made.

Catalogues can be very useful in understanding the relative value of one stamp versus another. It can be readily assumed that a stamp that can be picked up for a nominal sum will be very common whereas an item that has a five figure price tag attached is likely to be very scarce and in high demand.

Prices for very common, low value stamps may well reflect a handling fee to allow the seller to make a profit on selling the stamp, rather than the value itself which may be negligible or non-existent. At the other end of the scale, rarities with very high price tags will be a reflection of assumed value based on historic market transactions. When it comes to purchasing a copy however, the buying price may be significantly higher (or lower) than the catalogue price depending on market demand at the time.

In an auction environment, prices can reach levels which are nothing like those stated in the catalogue or the estimates given by the auctioneer. If two rivals both want to own the same item and there is only one available on the market then prices may rise dramatically and the catalogue price is redundant.

That still leaves a significant number of stamps which are neither low value nor rarities. Dealers will apply varying percentages of catalogue price to these stamps to arrive at a buying price but in most cases the prices will not be at 100%. The exception to this rule is where either rarity or demand enables a dealer to command ‘full price’ or exceptional condition raises the value of a stamp against an identical issue of lesser quality. In these cases, prices for well-centred, fresh, fault free examples may sell for significantly more than the catalogue price, even though the stamp is not a rarity in its own right (see Graded Stamps). It is also important to understand the definitions the catalogue owner is giving to the value of the stamps illustrated. For example, Stanley Gibbons’ prices for mint stamps before the reign of King George VI are for hinged items but prices for those of the reign and after are for unhinged stamps. A mint unhinged Queen Victoria stamp will have a higher relative value than that shown in the catalogue; likewise, a mint hinged Queen Elizabeth stamp will be worth proportionately less than the price stated.

When buying, catalogues will give you a good indication of how much you should expect to pay before any additional factors have been taken into consideration. When selling, be aware that it is highly unlikely that the collection you are attempting to value will match the prices shown in the catalogue. Once again, experience and knowledge are key in determining realistic valuations.

Which catalogues should I refer to?

There are many specialist catalogues which will provide detailed information and prices for stamps from a particular country or era. For basic, worldwide stamps there are four major publishers:

Scott – published in the US, English language, strength in US issues

Stanley Gibbons – published in the UK, English language, strength in British Commonwealth

Michel – German language

Yvert & Tellier – French language

The general catalogues will give very good breadth of coverage but you will need to refer to the more specialist publications for information on errors, varieties, shades etc.

To change your logo go to the 'Page Master' under the 'Design' menu