Stamp Collecting: The Definitive-Everything you ever wanted to know by DuBasso Michael

Author:DuBasso, Michael [DuBasso, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-08-03T21:00:00+00:00

ESTIMATING FORGERIES

I simply estimate the common forgeries; those with low catalog value, (for the genuine stamp) at a dollar each and stamps cataloguing over $500-$1000 at between 1% and 3% depending on appearance, condition and catalog value. The very highest value stamps are estimated at about 1%. Stamps that catalog in the thousands are estimated at 1% if not baring an overprint. I specifically figure over-printed forgeries or stamps that catalog very high with the overprint, at one dollar each or at a modest percentage of the genuine stamp with no overprint. This will be difficult to understand if you are a novice, but as you gain experience it will become clear.

This might include an item like France #8, listing at around $10,000. If you paid $100 for it you can easily sell it for $200 as a forgery. 2. There are a few exceptions to the above. I rarely figure classic Japan or Italian States for more than a dollar or two per higher cataloguing stamp. There are just too many of the high valued stamps in circulation. South and Central America are also in this category, with the early printed Seebeck stamps worth five or ten cents each. Most reprinted Seebecks can be identified by the size of the stamp. The forgeries are normally 5-10% larger than the originals in size. There are usually enough genuine copies in the average collection to make this identification easy (look at the canceled copies which are usually genuine).

Many stamps are noted by Scott and given a value such as the early reprints of Portugal and Colonies. I use about 20-50% of these reprint values as my base purchase price according to appearance and condition. Overprinted high value French Colonies, unless signed on the back, are figured at a dollar or two, depending on the catalog value. Always keep in mind; forgers put certification initials on the back of many forged stamps to make them appear expertised.

3. Genuine classic German States are worth only 2-5% of catalog value when damaged or repaired, and my experience has been that 19 out of 20 are in this condition. Many classic issues of the world in general, in damaged condition or if the stamp has been repaired (visible in watermarking fluid most of the time) are worth only 2-5% of catalog based on actual condition and appearance. There are numerous forgeries of German States, some so good only an expert can tell the difference. I do figure the better looking forgeries at the same percentage I figure the defective genuine stamps. It keeps things simple and at these percentages you will not be hurt.

You will find as the years go by that you are evaluating the average 19th century section close to10% of catalog as an average (10% for a very fine appearing collection and less for others). And please keep in mind the word average. An average collection contains numerous low valued 19th century stamps in fine to very fine condition but does not contain many high value items in the same condition.

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