What is the value of a precancel stamp?
Common Precancels
Precancels are stamps canceled before use, typically by businesses or bulk mailers. Common precancels from the 1920s to 1960s are plentiful and sell for 10 to 50 cents each. Many are sold in bulk lots of 1,000 for $10 to $20.
The most common are city precancels on regular definitive stamps. They are collected by town and type, but supply often exceeds demand.
- Common precancels: 10–50 cents
- Bulk lots: 1,000 for $10–$20
- Condition: mint or used, but precancels are usually used
- Collectors often specialize by state or town
Valuable Precancels
Rare precancels include those from small towns, unusual types (e.g., bureau precancels with errors), or on scarce stamps. A precancel from a tiny post office can sell for $5 to $50. Errors like inverted or missing precancel bars can bring $100 or more.
Bureau precancels (printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing) are generally more common, but certain varieties are scarce. Always check a specialized catalog like the Precancel Stamp Society's listings.
- Small-town precancels: $5–$50
- Errors (inverted, missing): $50–$200
- Precancels on commemoratives: often $1–$10
- Bureau precancel varieties: $1–$100
Common mistakes
- Thinking all precancels are rare—most are very common.
- Not checking for town name and state, which determine scarcity.
- Overlooking condition: heavy cancellation or damage lowers value.
