MARKET DRIVING PRICES UP IN VOLUME 4 OF THE 2008 SCOTT POSTAGE STAMP CATALOGUE

More than 12,000 value changes were recorded in Volume 4 of the 2008 Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue. Countries with a large number of value changes include Jordan, North Korea, Libya, Lithuania, Madagascar, Martinique, Mauritania and Niger.

"The value changes in all the volumes this year, which overwhelmingly have been increases so far, have been driven almost totally by market prices. However, collectors should be aware that exchange rate pressures have swung in favor of both the euro and British pound against the U.S. dollar and if those pressures continue, the Scott catalogue values for many foreign stamps might become somewhat understated," according to Scott Catalogue editor James Kloetzel.

In Jordan, more than 2,315 value changes were recorded, with fairly significant value gains throughout, including back-of-the-book issues. Examples include the 1964 20f block of 10 space issues, Scott 435, which moves to $9 mint never hinged and $8.75 used, from $6.75 mint never hinged and $6 used in last year's Volume 4. The imperforate 100f value, Scott 436, increases slightly to $12.50 both mint never hinged and used, from $11 mint never hinged and $10 used last year.

Increases for North Korea are particularly strong for stamps from 1946-60. Many of the wholesale sources of these stamps seem to have dried up. Even the reprints (actually reproductions) have become much more difficult to find. Increases appear for both unused and used stamps through about 1955, and for unused later issues.

Many perf 10 ¼ and imperf varieties among the early issues of North Korea increase sharply. Values have been added for two rare items: Scott 12, the 50ch red brown 1948 third anniversary of liberation from Japan issue, is now valued unused at $3,000, and Scott 13, the 50ch indigo and red stamps of 1948 commemorating the adoption of the Korean DPR constitution, is now valued unused at $2,000.

Increases are scattered throughout Libya, including back-of-the-book stamps. Noteworthy examples include the 1934 50c-25 l + 3 l Seaplane over Tripoli Harbor set, Scott C14-C18, which jumps to $289.50 unused and $505 used, from only $183 unused and $192 used last year. The 1921-23 30c-2 l "Italia" Special Delivery stamps, Scott E3-E6, move to $55 mint never hinged, $22.35 unused and $62.50 used, from $26 mint never hinged, $13 unused and $25 used last year.

The biggest addition to this year's volume are the 675 new major numbers for North Korea from 1995-2000. This project started several years ago with the goal of bringing the country up-to-date.

In Lebanon, three new major numbers have been added to the 1999 gold overprints oriented as crosses. These items are Scott 533K, the £1,500 denomination, valued at $18 mint never hinged; Scott 533N, the £5,000 denomination, valued at $50 mint never hinged; and Scott 533O, the £10,000 denomination, valued at $100 mint never hinged.

The cover price for the printed version of Volume 4 and each subsequent 2008 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Volume is $65.99. The CD-ROM price for Volume 4 is $59.99. A package that includes print and CD-ROM versions of Volume 4 is also available for $99.99. Volume 5 (Countries of the World P-Slovenia) will be released in August, in August, Volume 6 (Countries of the World Solomon Islands-Z) in September, the U.S. Specialized and the Fall U.S. Specialized Valuing Supplement in October, and the Classic Specialized in November.

For more information about the 2008 Scott Catalogues and CDs contact your favorite stamp dealer or write to Scott Publishing Co., Box 828, Sidney OH 45365, or call 1-800-572-6885. Information can also be found online at www.amosadvantage.com