Refinitiv Unveils Plate Block Singles: A New Way to Access Premium Stamp Collecting Data

NEW YORK – October 26, 2023 – Refinitiv US LLC, a leading provider of financial markets data and infrastructure, today announced the launch of Plate Block Singles, a groundbreaking solution designed specifically for the avid stamp collector and the stamp trading market. Housed at 28 Liberty St, Fl 58, New York, NY, 10005-1457, and reachable at 770-964-6545, Refinitiv is leveraging its decades of data expertise to bring transparency and efficiency to a traditionally opaque hobby. For years, serious stamp collectors – and those looking to invest in stamps – have faced challenges in accurately assessing the value and provenance of individual plate blocks. Information has been scattered across auction catalogs, dealer inventories, and enthusiast forums, making it tough to get a clear picture of market trends and comparative pricing. Refinitiv’s Plate Block Singles aims to change that. What are Plate Block Singles? For those newer to the hobby, plate blocks are a section of stamps printed from the same printing plate, offering a fascinating glimpse into the printing process itself. ‘Singles’ refers to the individual stamps within that block, offering collectors a chance to acquire a pristine example of a specific stamp with documented provenance. These aren’t just pretty pictures on paper; they're miniature historical documents. Refinitiv’s Solution: Data-Driven Insights for Collectors Refinitiv’s Plate Block Singles isn’t a marketplace – it’s a data platform. Think of it as a Bloomberg Terminal, but for plate block stamps. We’ve painstakingly collected and organized data from hundreds of sources, including: Auction Results: We track auction sales of plate block singles worldwide, providing a historical record of prices achieved for specific stamps based on condition, centering, perforation, and other critical factors. Dealer Inventories: We aggregate listings from a vast network of reputable stamp dealers, giving you a real-time overview of what's available on the market. Expert Appraisals: We’ve partnered with leading philatelic experts to provide valuations and insights into the rarity and condition of specific plate block singles. Production Data: Where available, we're incorporating data on the original printing plates, including plate numbers, printing dates, and print runs. This helps determine the scarcity of a particular stamp. Condition Reports: Detailed descriptions and photographic evidence of each plate block single’s condition, graded using internationally recognized standards. Provenance Tracking: Whenever possible, we’re tracking the history of ownership for each plate block single, adding to its value and authenticity. How It Works: User-Friendly Access to Powerful Data Refinitiv Plate Block Singles is accessible through a web-based platform. Users can: Search by Stamp: Quickly find data on specific stamps by country, denomination, year of issue, or catalog number. Compare Prices: See how prices have changed over time and compare prices across different dealers and auction houses. Track Market Trends: Identify emerging trends and opportunities in the plate block single market. Create Watchlists: Monitor the prices of your favorite stamps and receive alerts when new listings appear. Access Expert Analysis: Read reports and articles from leading philatelic experts. Detailed Filtering: Narrow your search based on condition (Mint Never Hinged, Very Fine, etc.), centering, perforation type, gum condition, and other key attributes. Image Gallery: High-resolution images of each plate block single, allowing for detailed examination of its condition and features. Why Refinitiv is Entering the Philatelic Space "We saw a clear need for greater transparency and data-driven insights in the stamp collecting market," says a Refinitiv spokesperson. “While many collectors are passionate and knowledgeable, they often lack the tools to quickly and accurately assess the value of plate block singles. We are leveraging our core expertise in data management and analysis to solve this problem.” Refinitiv believes its Plate Block Singles platform will benefit a wide range of users, including: Serious Collectors: Who want to make informed purchasing decisions and build valuable collections. Stamp Dealers: Who want to price their inventory accurately and reach a wider audience. Stamp Investors: Who are looking for opportunities to profit from the growing market for rare and collectible stamps. Appraisers and Auction Houses: Who need reliable data to accurately value and authenticate stamps. Beyond the Basics: Future Developments Refinitiv has ambitious plans for the future of Plate Block Singles. These include: AI-Powered Condition Assessment: Utilizing artificial intelligence to automatically assess the condition of plate block singles based on images. Predictive Analytics: Developing models to forecast future price trends based on historical data and market conditions. Integration with Online Marketplaces: Allowing users to directly purchase plate block singles through the platform. Expansion to Other Philatelic Areas: Adding data and insights for other types of stamps, such as postal history covers and errors. Global Coverage: Expanding data coverage to include more countries and regions. Pricing and Availability Refinitiv Plate Block Singles is available through a subscription model. Different tiers are available, based on the level of data access and features required. Interested users can visit the Refinitiv website or contact a Refinitiv sales representative for more information. Refinitiv US LLC remains committed to providing innovative data solutions for a wide range of markets. With Plate Block Singles, the company is bringing its data expertise to the passionate world of stamp collecting, empowering collectors and investors alike.