Stamp collections only rarely contain extremely rare and valuable stamps. In the real world, modern mint stamps are not worth their face value when sold at auction or to dealers unless there was a low print run or a printing error. The classic stamps of some countries continue to increase in value.
Does anyone buy stamp collections?
Stamp collecting was the most popular hobby in the world. If your collection is mostly made up of modern postage (1935-Present), you can sell your stamp collection to a postage buying service. They will pay you for your collection based on it's face value. There are a few to tell if they were issued after 1930.
How much does it cost to have a stamp collection appraised?
Appraisals and Valuations Look for an appraiser through authoritative sources like official stamp collection societies. The American Philatelic Society notes you may pay anywhere from $75 to $250 an hour to have the stamps/collection appraised.
How do I know if my stamps are valuable?
- Option 1: Find out the Stamp Values by Yourself. Identify the stamp.
- Option 2: Check out a Printed Reference.
- Option 3: Research the Stamp Values via the Internet.
- Option 4: Attend a Stamp Show.
- Option 5: Find out the Stamp Values via a knowledgeable Stamp Expert, Dealer or Appraiser.
How do I find the value of my stamp collection?
Auction sites, stamp dealer sites, stamp forum sites, and stamp sites put up by stamp collectors and enthusiasts can easily be found online and these can give you an idea of the current market price of a particular stamp. You can easily and quickly find stamp values at StampWorld.com.
How do I sell my stamp collection?
- Stamp magazines. The reputable publication 'Stamp Magazine' (above) is available from larger newsagents and the classified advertising section will help you to locate dealers and collectors who offer a valuation service.
- Stamp fairs.
- Philatelic Traders Society.
- Sell at auction.
How can I sell my old stamps?
- Local Dealer: Dealers handle both collections and individual stamps.
- Mail Order Dealer: If you're not going local, consider working with a mail order dealer.
- American Philatelic Society Circuit Sales:
- Auction House:
Are old stamps worth any money?
Stamps may also have value if they were issued no later than about 1960, though this doesn't mean the older the stamp, the more valuable they are. Interestingly, stamps with genuine errors of production (for example missing colours) are often worth considerably more than 'normal' issues.
Where is the best place to sell stamps?
Sotheby's is your best resource for selling rare stamps at auction. Since our first postage stamps auction was held in 1872, Sotheby's has represented the most significant and famous philatelists, including Sir Maxwell Joseph, Ryohei Ishikawa, Robert Gibbs, Sir Gawaine Baillie and Lady Mairi Bury.