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Message:: [QUOTE="BRandM, post: 2038070, member: 22729"]As you, I've always felt, until recently, that there were some big players in the market who drove up the price of counterstamps simply because they could afford to pay inflated prices. Although that's still in play, I think the collector base has broadened recently for whatever reason. I find, generally, higher prices being paid for all types, even generics. I get most of mine from eBay where bargains can still be had, but stay away from Heritage and other big houses for the reasons you note. I also find interesting pieces at shows...Hayden, Latter, Cunningham, etc...but not in great numbers. In any case, the days of "bargain basement prices" for counterstamps is fading fast. The Houck's issues are interesting for the reasons you mention. I bought one in 2005 from Charlotte and Dave Gale for $250, apparently, a good price for the time and even today. Maybe your "Orphan-Annie Effect" is in play here because, as you mention, this issue is relatively common. A great classic but not hard to come across a decent example. Bruce[/QUOTE]