The Differences of Catalog Values

[kacyds]

Was scanning a couple of Newfoundland stamps this morning and was comparing my 2014 Scott Classic catalog to the 2014 Unitrade catalog.  I was surprised at the difference in Current Value for # 58.




2014 Scott Classic Catalog
Mint Never Hinged $18.50
Mint $10
Used $7.25
On Cover $55

2014 Unitrade
Mint Never Hinged $40
Mint Very Fine $20
Mint Fine $6
Used Very Fine $9
Used Fine $5
On Cover $2,000 (Single usage in Period)

Looking at the numbers, it looks like Scott tries to average between the VF and F values.  As for the usage on cover, thats a big difference.

Any thoughts???

[MikeC99]

Kris, I don't have access to a Scott Classic Catalog but I think your explanation of Scott averaging the VF and F values is reasonable. When it comes to prices of stamps for Canada and the Provinces, I would rely on the Unitrade valuations. With regard to the Unitrade "On Cover" value, it is being very specific about a single stamp on cover for a specific period whereas Scott doesn't contain this caveat.
Mike

[MikeC99]

kacyds, I just checked my standard Scott Catalogue and it states that Scott uses the "Very Fine" grade to establish Scott Catalogue values. I never check Scott when dealing with Canadian stamps so I was completely unaware of this discrepancy in values between the two catalogues.
Mike

[khj]

Mike is correct, the Scott catalog has valued stamps in the grade of VF since 1997.

Keep in mind that Unitrade primarily caters to Canada-based collectors while the Scott catalog caters to US-based collectors. So the pricing in each catalog will reflect the "local" retail value. Demand in Canada is much higher for items with any sort of premium, so you will see higher Unitrade catalog values on many of those items.

Regarding the Unitrade price on the cover, the *(Single usage in Period) note explains the price difference. The Unitrade price is for proper time of use cancel of a SINGLE stamp. Multiples, combined use, and later usage get the Scott catalog price. It would be preferable if Unitrade would list a catalog value for the non-"*" covers so that some collectors don't get to thinking a cover is worth a lot more than it is.