United States, United Nations & Countries A-B

More than 58,000 value changes have been recorded in Volume 1. The large number of changes is the result of both strong overseas markets and worldwide currency fluctuations that have seen the U.S. dollar drop against other strong currencies. Almost 4,700 value changes were made in the United States, U.S. possessions and United Nations sections of Volume 1, and almost all the value changes in the U.S. section are upward. Various 19th century stamps rise in value on a selected basis, reflecting market results over the past six months. This includes the St. Louis Bears Postmaster Provisionals, Scott 11X1-11X8, which advanced in the 2008 Scott United States Specialized Catalogue and now advance once again in the 2009 Volume 1. Strong gains were also made for some back of the book items such as the 1879 1¢ - 50¢ Postage Due Special Printings, along with scattered increases in the Officials. More than 23,000 value changes were made for stamps of the British Commonwealth, with Australia leading the way with more than 4,800 changes. The Australian market remains quite strong for both the Australian States and Australia proper.