How to Determine the Value of a Stamp Collection
Careful handling is paramount when ascertaining the value of a stamp collection. Examine and catalog the individual stamps, pairs, blocks and sheets; organize them in an album by country, topic or type. While determining the value of philatelic materials, store stamps in a dry room of moderate temperature to avoid damaging glue or pasting the stamps together. Perfection is extremely important in stamp collecting values.
Things You'll Need
- Stamp album
- Glassine envelopes
- Magnifying glass
- Stamp tongs
- Watermark detector
- Ruler
- Color gauge
- Perforation gauge
- Stamp catalog
Instructions
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Examine the collection and decide how to categorize it in an acid-free stamp album. As multiples, stamps often are more valuable than singly; do not separate the stamp blocks or sheets. Glassine envelopes are transparent sleeves that will safely contain philatelic items.
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Examine each stamp closely for small tears, stains or creases. Use a magnifying glass to see details and stamp tongs to keep fingerprints off the stamps. Handle stamps delicately so as not to devalue them. A watermark detector will identify forgeries and varieties.
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Inspect the stamps further with a ruler, color gauge and perforation gauge. Check if they are centered, have sound, undamaged color, and have perfect margins and perforations. Different perforation patterns may not be noticeable with a simple examination. Stamps that are attached to envelopes often have more value when they remain in this format with original postage markings.
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Check the value of each stamp in a stamp catalog. These are available at libraries or online.
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Procure an appraisal from a professional stamp dealer; agree on the cost of this service ahead of time. Prices of stamps are revised every year. There are different values for retail, wholesale and catalog pricing.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit collection de timbres image by Jean-Jacques Cordier from Fotolia.com
