Links to create simplified versions of the Stamp Catalog

[DJCMH]

Here is a list of links that will create the filtering that will show items that are listed in either all of the "Big 4" Stamp catalogs (Michel, Yvert, Scott and Gibbons) or three of the four (noted next to each link). Simply click on the link, set it as your permanent filter (directions on how to set a filter as permanent can be found in the first two posts here : https://colnect.com/en/forum/viewtopic!f=48&t=103622) and you will have the "Simplified" version of the catalog set.

Only The Big 4 (Michel/Gibbons/Scott/Yvert) : https://colnect.com/en/stamps/countries ... ey_Gibbons

Michel/Gibbons/Yvert : https://colnect.com/en/stamps/countries ... ey_Gibbons

Michel/Scott/Yvert : https://colnect.com/en/stamps/countries ... amp_Number

Michel/Scott/Gibbons : https://colnect.com/en/stamps/countries ... ey_Gibbons

Gibbons/Scott/Yvert : https://colnect.com/en/stamps/countries ... ey_Gibbons

DJCMH

[kimmert]

Wow, Thanks!

I was browsing through the forum to find tips on how to distinguish between illegal stamps and 'real' stamps. And then I found your post.

I collect cat stamps. There are lots of catalogues with 'all' cat stamps in it. However, some of those also contain illegal stamps. Stamps that are not issued by the official postal office. Take for instance cat stamps from Afghanistan. The UPU wrote a circulair stating that these are illegal(*). Also, wikipedia confirms that stamps issued between 1989 and May 2002 are illegal (**). However, these stamps appear in the newest cat stamp catalogue by Michel (dec 2018).

Somehow, I do not like collecting illegal stamps. Why these stamps are in the Michel Thematic Cat stamp catalogue, I do not know, but I am sorry I bought it. However, they are not in the Scott-catalogue. So, finally my question: am I right to presume that all (and only those) stamps listed in Scott are legal?

* http://golowesstamps.com/reference/Illegal%20Stamps/Afghanistan%20Illegal%20Stamps/Circular2003_2_upu_circular_en_Afghanistan.pdf

** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postage_stamps_and_postal_history_of_Afghanistan

[DJCMH]

If a stamp is listed in Scott then Scott assumes it to be legitimate. Same with Michel, Yvert and Gibbons. But as the Afghan issues you note show what might have been represented to a catalog publisher as legitimate may later turn out to be less so.