Blocks of Stamps - Do They Carry a Premium?

We love to see a nice block of stamps, especially when they've been postally used. But what is the value of a block compared to the single stamps that make it up? In other words, are blocks of stamps worth more by their very nature - being still attached to other stamps - or not? Is a block of 4 stamps worth more than 4 times what the singles of the same stamps are worth?

Usually, like everything else, it depends on the stamps. Although there are exceptions, modern blocks are generally not worth much, if any, premium. But many earlier multiples can be worth huge premiums over singles, and in a number of cases, the premium remains unknown until the block actually comes onto the market.

The lovely block of 4 "Baby Zeppelin" stamps that's pictured (US Scott #C18) commands a nice premium over the single stamps. But even single C18's are highly desired by many collectors and fetch a very nice price when sold.