Lot 332 Germany - French Occupation of Rhineland SC#6N1 (Mi1YVI)-6N5 (5VWII) 1947-1948 First Pictorials, Various Types On White And Toned Papers, 11 VFNH Singles, Estimated Value $50 USD

11 VFNH singles from the 1947-1948 French Occupation Of Rhineline First Pictorials, various types on white and toned papers. 2pf Types 1&2 white paper, 3pf types 1&2 white paper, 10pf 1&2 white paper, 12pf type 1 white & off white paper, 15pf types 1&2 toned paper smooth gum, 15pf type 2 off white (toned) paper, gritty gum. 2023 Michel cat. €50.20. Our estimate of the value based on the condition is $50.

This issue, although simple in Scott is actually quite complicated, with three different paper types, three different gum types and up to six different types of each design. The paper types are: (1) a soft, white paper, (2) a thin greyish paper and (3) a thick, rough, off-white, almost brownish paper. The gum found on the first, second and third paper types is usually smooth, though a gritty gum also exists on the off white paper stamps, and this is generally quite scarce and worth much more than the others.

With respect to types on the designs of this issue, each differ with respect to small details of the design. I won't go into all of them here, but will give two examples and then if you want to know the details of the other values I can review them with you should you win the lot. On the 2pf Beethoven stamp, look at where the white angled line meets the frameline at upper right. On type 1 the frameline is closed at this point. On type 2 it is open for the width of this white line. On the 3pf von Ketteler look at the P of "Pfalz". On type 1 there is a tiny amount of shading that extends beyond the vertical stem of the P. This shading is absent on type 2.

With respect to catalogue values in Michel, these stamps are priced generally at a minimum of 1 Euro each for mint and 2.20 Euro each for used, regardless of how common they are, IF they are identified. Michel also gives a "cheapest value" for unsorted, unidentified stamps. So, they give recognition to the fact that there is time, labour and skill involved to properly classify and identify the different printings. We have summed up the values and estimated the lots as if Euros equal dollars, though we recognize that the actual value will be less than this, but should be much higher than Scott, which is for unidentified stamps. Michel does note that the prices are for BPP certified examples, though for the most part, these are quite easy to identify and are not of sufficient value that we feel it necessary to submit them for certification. So, you should bear this in mind when bidding.