Used $14 "Soaring Eagle" commands premium

Henry Gitner writes in his Stamp Market Tips column in this week's Linn's that mint copies of the 1991 $14 Soaring Eagle international Express Mail stamp (Scott 2542) are "plentiful and readily available at or below Scott catalog value from multiple sources in the stamp market."

However, he points out, "Finding the stamp in used condition is quite a different story. There are not many to choose from, and many of the stamps for sale have questionable or unattractive cancellations."

Gitner writes, "Stamps with smudged, wavy-line or indistinct cancellations sell at or below catalog value. Stamps with recognizable postal cancellations usually sell for slightly more than catalog value. Stamps with a legible in-period cancel often command a hefty premium. If you have any interest in used U.S. stamps, this is one that should be in your collection."