True Appraisal: What You need to Know About Stamps Before Selling

Postage stamps have a long and rich history. In the days before the internet, email, cell phones, and texting they represented the way information was sent. They were what allowed people to send letters and postcards to family and friends. They allowed the delivery of business letters, which drove the economy. They allowed for the distribution of political literature. It isn’t surprising that stamp collecting has been so popular and historic stamps are so valuable. If you have a stamp collection that you have amassed yourself or that was handed down to you, you may be entering a search for the best stamp appraisal near me and looking to sell. In this article we will look at what you need to know about stamps before selling.

Get a free online stamp appraisal

You want to begin by finding someone who provides good stamp appraisal services. Perhaps the most important key to selling your stamp collection at a good price is getting it appraised. You need to know what it is worth from the get-go. A vintage stamp collection appraisal will put you on solid ground when it comes time to negotiate a price with a buyer.

What makes a vintage stamp collection valuable?

What are the factors that make your stamp or stamp collection valuable? What will an experienced stamp appraiser look at when conducting a vintage stamp collection appraisal? Age is important. A stamp issued before the 1930’s will be worth more. Rarity is another important factor. The fewer stamps of a particular type that were made, the greater the value. Likewise, if a particular stamp is one of few remaining out of many that were produced, it will be worth more. Stamps of a higher denomination will also be higher in value. Market demand also drives how much more a stamp is worth above the actual face value printed on the stamp.

There are other factors an expert appraiser will look at when performing stamp appraisal services. The condition of the stamps in the collection and the gum (or adhesive) on the back of them is important. A stamp with the original gum intact is worth more. Also, the organization of the collection, the method used to display or preserve the stamps, notes on the provenance of the stamps, and receipts for stamps will help increase the value of the collection. Whether or not the stamp has been canceled also makes a difference. The breadth and depth of your collection will also make a difference when you get a free online stamp appraisal.

Search for the best stamp appraisal near me to get started

You can look in a lot of places to determine the value of your collection. You can go to auctions, you can look for local dealers, you can search online. Find a reputable dealer or appraiser through the National Stamp Dealers Association, the American Stamp Dealers Association, or the American Philatelic Society. All three of those groups have a code of ethics that require them to give expert and honest stamp appraisal services. Always check on an appraiser’s experience and reputation to be sure you get the best appraisal and the best price.