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How to Sell Rare Stamps

If you are the fortunate owner of one or more rare stamps, such as a plate block of the 1892 $5 Columbian Exposition commemorative series, or a complete sheet of the $5 Presidential Series stamps featuring the portrait of Alexander Hamilton, you own philatelic rarities that most collectors can only dream of.

Things You'll Need

  • Rare stamps
  • Scott U.S. Specialized Stamp Catalog
  • Digital camera
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Instructions

    • 1

      Contact one or more philatelic auction houses specializing in the sale of rare stamps.

    • 2

      Explain that you have rare stamps you wish to sell. Be prepared to give each dealer the Scott catalog number of the stamps, plus an accurate estimation of their centering, and overall condition. If a dealer wants to view the stamps, offer to send digital photos via email. If your stamps are extremely rare, dealers may be willing to travel to your home to view them.

    • 3

      Ask each dealer for an estimate of the cash value of your rare stamps. Their estimates may vary slightly, but as rare stamps are seldom offered for sale, will probably be similar.

    • 4

      Ask the dealers to supply the most recent auction prices realized for stamps identical to yours. This is another method for determining their market value.

    • 5

      Ask the dealers for their sales commission percentage. Inquire if their auctions use a buyer's or seller's premium. With a buyer's premium, the buyer, not the seller pays the dealer's sales commission. Some dealers work on a flat fee basis.

    • 6

      Ask the dealers for their opinion regarding the sale of the stamps through a private treaty sale versus placing them in an auction. Many rare stamp dealers often have wealthy collectors who prefer buying rare stamps through private sales. In a private treaty sale, the dealer or auction house acts as the go-between, and your agent.

    • 7

      Analyze the input you receive from the dealers regarding which type of disposal will generate the highest sale price. If any of the dealers are in contact with a wealthy collector looking for exactly what you have, your sale could be consummated almost immediately.

    • 8

      Select the dealer who offers the lowest sales commission and the most credible advice regarding treaty or auction sales, and consign your stamps to him.

Tips & Warnings

  • In a private treaty sale, the identity of the buyer and seller are kept secret, for security purposes.

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