2008 US/BNA Postage Stamp Catalog

If you are a beginning or intermediate collector, the 2008 US/BNA Postage Stamp Catalog is a good choice. With full-color illustrations and use of Scott's numbering system, stamp identification is a breeze. However, if you are a more seasoned collector you may not find what you are looking for. Because the catalog is first and foremost a retail price guide, the 2008 US/BNA tends to not list every of every U.S. stamp issue. In addition, worldwide collectors will have to look elsewhere, because Whitman Publishing, LLC does not produce any worldwide stamp catalogs.

Pros

Cons

There are a few major players when it comes to good comprehensive stamp catalogs, and the US/BNA has been one for over eighty years. Originally intended as a product catalog, the US/BNA has more recently become a reference used by many collectors in determining the value of their postage stamps. Perhaps this is thanks to its recent use of full-color stamp images and its large hardcover format. But the question remains: is it worth the $25.00 price?

If you are looking for an easy to follow stamp catalog, then you have come to the right place. The 2008 US/BNA Postage Stamp Catalog has color illustrations for virtually every United States, U.S. Possessions, United Nations, and British North America issue, which makes stamp identification a breeze. Under each image is the given Scott number, the standard numbering system for postage stamps, followed by the available issues for that Scott number. In addition, the front section of the catalog has a commemorative stamp identifier, as well as, a detailed U.S. stamp identifier for early issues.

If you are looking for every variety of every stamp issued, you may not find what you are looking for. While the US/BNA does show variations for each given Scott number, it generally only shows the more common varieties. This is due in part to its product catalog background. In addition the catalog only lists H.E. Harris current retail prices, which may or may not be an accurate indication of what one would actually receive for their stamp if they tried to sell it in today's market.

Should you buy the 2008 US/BNA Postage Stamp Catalog? If you are looking for an inexpensive easy-to-follow catalog, then this may be what you need. However, if you are a more seasoned collector, you may wish to pay the extra money and invest in Scott Publishing's latest release.