Introduction
This site presents want lists for countries I collect as well as scans of stamps from these same countries that I have available for trade. In order to simplify the trading process somewhat, I've color-coded my want lists in several categories of "values" according to listings in the Scott 2010 edition. Stamps listed at the Scott minimum up to $.49 will appear with a white background (123), stamps listed between $.50 and $.99 will have a red background (123); those with listings between $1.00 and $1.99 will have a yellow background (123); listings from $2.00 to $2.99 will be shown with a green background (123); listings from $3.00 to $3.99 will have a blue background (123); those from $4.00 to $4.99 will have an orange background (123); listings between $5.00 and $9.99 will have a magenta background (123); stamps listed between $10.00 and $99.99 will have a purple background (123). I will not list wants for stamps with Scott values of $100+.
In similar fashion, I will color-code my stamp scans with diamond-shaped dots as shown next:
This sample scan would indicate the values for stamps #15, #26, #33, #81, #86, #124 and #141 are all listed between $1.00 and $1.99. Stamp #25 is listed between $4.00 and $4.99. Stamps #27, #32, #56 and #99 are listed between $5.00 and $9.99. Stamp #92 is listed between $.50 and $.99. Stamps #95 and #122 are listed between $2.00 and $2.99. Stamp #138 is listed at Scott minimum up to $.49. If there were any purple colored diamonds in the scan, the actual Scott listing would appear below the scan. You may find it helpful to use the <Ctrl+> combination to make both the want list numbers and the scans larger on your screen.
I collect both used and unused stamps, and my want lists reflect the lower value shown in Scott 2010. However, I will trade for the higher-valued listing at the appropriate premium. I am not particularly concerned with "equalizing" values in trades. I will only trade stamps in the purple category for stamps having at least a $10.00 listing in Scott, and I'd like to avoid trades which offer numerous minimum value stamps for higher-valued stamps. However, I won't reject a trade offer which nets me somewhat less "value" than I give up.
My "quality" standards in stamps both offered and accepted are probably more "relaxed" than it is for most stamps collectors (and all philatelists). I'm primarily concerned with the appearance of a stamp on its face. I pay very little attention to the gum side of the stamp. Consequently, I only devalue a Mint Hinged stamp from a Mint Never Hinged stamp when there are two distinct values shown in Scott. Many of the unused stamps shown in my scans will, in fact, be MNH, but if you require stamps in that pristine condition, please do not use this site for trading. I do not write values on the backs of either used or unused stamps, but I have no objection to this practice. Some of the stamps shown in my scans may have writing on the reverse. Hinge remnants may also be present in some cases. I will provide scans of the gum side of any stamp I'm offering if the stamp is listed in the $10.00+ category. I'm not interested in offering or trading for stamps with "killer" cancels, tears or bad creases. I'll accept the odd pulled perf or clipped corner.
You will always receive the actual stamp shown in my scans in trade. Sometimes I will have one or more duplicates of a stamp that has been traded. Please see the "Announcements" section for how to determine if a duplicate is available. I'll be happy to send a scan of the duplicate to you be e-mail if requested.
When visiting this site, PLEASE ALWAYS CHECK THE "ANNOUNCEMENTS" SECTION FOR LATEST INFORMATION.
I find trading is a very enjoyable way to add to my collections, and I hope I can help add to yours too.
LarryD
