3. Demonstrate the use of one of the standard catalogs. Show what you look for. Explain why marked prices vary so much from catalog price for both mint and used stamps.
ZUMSTEIN EUROPE
CZECHOSLOVAKIA (1918) #3
"Prijezd Presidenta Masaryka" red overprint in use only Dec. 21, 1918, the day of President Masaryk's return to his homeland. 600 overprinted, most not used and destroyed. (APS cert)
GIBBONS COMMONWEALTH MUSCAT (1957) #77 var. 35
Called the "solid pearl" variety. Seen as a filled in circle at the upper right of the crown.
MICHEL EASTERN EUROPEAN MACEDONIA (1944) #7
Overprint and surcharge on Scout stamp of Bulgaria (1942).
HIGGINS AND GAGE WORLD POSTAL STATIONARY CATALOG
CZECHOSLOVAKIA (1936) #59a (9)
Postal card #9 of a set of 20. Shows Boy Scouts holding back the crowd.
4. Explain the meaning of "good condition" of a stamp. Show one stamp that is well centered, fully perforated, clearly canceled, clean, and undamaged by tears or thin spots. Tell how this affects the stamp value. Tell what country's stamps you consider especially attractive. Why?
ROMANIA, 1932
Three examples ranging from extra fine to barely fine centering.
GREAT BRITAIN, 1957
"good condition" used, also perfined BTH.