MORE THAN 58,000 VALUE CHANGES RECORDED IN VOLUME 1
OF THE 2009 SCOTT POSTAGE STAMP CATALOGUE

There are more value changes in this Volume 1 than there have been in any single volume since the Standard catalogues went to six volumes in 1996. The large number of changes is the result of both strong overseas markets and worldwide currency fluctuations that have seen the U.S. dollar drop against other strong currencies. "The market for stamps denominated in euros, pounds and other various foreign currencies are largely made in the home countries, and anyone who wants to compete for those stamps must compete with those home-country buyers who are using their own strong currencies. This means that it will take more U.S. dollars for U.S. dealers to replenish their stocks," according to Scott Catalogue Editor, James Kloetzel.

Almost 4,700 value changes were made in the United States, U.S. possessions and United Nations sections of Volume 1, and almost all the value changes in the U.S. section are upward. Various 19th century stamps rise in value on a selected basis, reflecting market results over the past six months. This includes the St. Louis Bears Postmaster Provisionals, Scott 11X1-11X8, which advanced in the 2008 Scott United States Specialized Catalogue and now advance once again in the 2009 Volume 1. Strong gains were also made for some back of the book items such as the 1879 1¢ - 50¢ Postage Due Special Printings, along with scattered increases in the Officials.

More than 23,000 value changes were made for stamps of the British Commonwealth, with Australia leading the way with more than 4,800 changes. The Australian market remains quite strong for both the Australian States and Australia proper, based on both demand and currency fluctuation. This is true especially for early issues. The 1913 1/2p green Roo, Scott 1, rises in value to $10 unused, $15 mint never hinged and $6.50 used, from $8 unused, $13 mint never hinged and $4 used last year. More startling, the £2 rose and black Roo, Scott 15, jumps to $5,750 unused, $12,500 mint never hinged and $3,250 used, from $5,000 unused, $10,000 mint never hinged and $2,750 used. Other significant changes run through the entire country.

Value increases in Australian States are even more pronounced than those in Australia. Increases of 20 percent or more are the rule rather than the exception. Collectors of this area will want to pay close attention to these 2009 value increases.

The large number of value changes also spilled over into non-British Commonwealth countries. In Austria, 4,739 changes were recorded, 3,619 in Albania, 3,148 in Belgium, 2,237 in Afghanistan and 1,725 for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Almost all the changes are upward.

Expanded valuing information for U.S. stamps can be found in the Spring U.S. Specialized Valuing Supplement. The expanded grades that are valued in the 2009 supplement include the following categories; Superb, Extremely Fine-Superb, Extremely Fine, Very Fine-Extremely Fine, Very Fine, Fine-Very Fine, Fine and Very Good. Definitions and illustrations are provided for the eight stamp grades. Numbered grading has been added to the verbal descriptions.

The cover price for the printed version of Volume 1 and each subsequent 2009 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Volume is $69.99. The DVD price for Volume 1 is $64.99. The Spring 2009 U.S. Specialized Valuing Supplement is $17.99. A special package that includes the printed versions of Volume 1 and the Valuing Supplement is $70.99. A package that includes print and DVD versions of Volume 1 is also available for $99.99. Volume 2 will be released in May and will contain Countries of the World C-F. Volume 3 (Countries of the World G-I) will be released in June, Volume 4 (Countries of the World J-O) in July, Volume 5 (Countries of the World P-Slovenia) 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 2009 Scott Catalogues and DVDs 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