How to Become a Stamp Appraiser

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

Rate: (0 Ratings)

Since there are no bureaus that offer official credentials in stamp appraising, it is necessary to attain an expertise in stamp collecting through independent study and practical experience and combine it with formal appraisal training. It will take years of concerted effort to become a stamp appraiser, as there's a great deal to learn not only about the history of stamp production, but also about the stamp collecting market forces that determine the value of particular items.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Formal appraiser training

Step1

Read books about stamp collecting to broaden your knowledge base. Begin with general guides, and move into specifics as you discover where your particular interests lie. The world of stamp collecting is complex, and there's a lot to learn. Hitting the books will help you ground yourself in the basics.

Step2

Gain as much exposure to the stamp collecting world as you can in the types of jobs you choose to work. Ideally, you should work with a rare stamp dealer to learn the ins and outs of the trade from a seasoned professional.

Step3

Build your resume by continuing to amass specialized knowledge about the history of stamps. To become a professional stamp appraiser, you'll need to be able to identify and authenticate a stamp virtually on sight, and the only way to achieve the level of knowledge you'll need is through study and experience.

Step4

Learn about stamp grading, and study a current guide to the values of rare stamps from around the globe. Under the tutelage of a seasoned stamp collector, who will be instrumental in helping you attain the knowledge foundation you'll need to become an appraiser on your own, meld theory and practice.

Step5

Establish your own base of clients through networking. With any luck, you'll build a base of contacts in the stamp trading world through the years you spend working under an experienced appraiser or dealer as well as attending stamp collection expositions and conventions. Build your appraisal business by starting small, while ensuring that you have an alternative way to keep food on the table while you grow your client base.

Tips & Warnings

Protect yourself by attaining a formal certification as a licensed appraiser. This will help you guard your legal rights as you embark on a professional career as a stamp appraiser. The American Society of Appraisers can help you find a course of study leading to an appropriate designation (see Resources below).