Stamp Collecting Guide

While many people begin a stamp collection for the pure joy of the hobby, it is only natural to be curious about a stamp collection’s value. This is particularly true if you have inherited a stamp collection and are unsure how valuable the collection may or may not be. If you’re wondering how to determine a stamp collection’s value, read on to find out about ways in which you can value that collection.

First, it is important to be aware there are a number of different factors which can affect a stamp collection’s value. Of course, the condition of the stamps is one of the most important factors that will affect the stamp collection’s value. If the collection contains a lot of damaged stamp, the stamp collection’s value will naturally suffer. On the other hand, mint condition stamps that have never been hinged are going to not only be worth more but will often be more in demand.

Of course, the rarity of the stamps in the collection can also play a tremendous role in the stamp collection’s value. Naturally, a collection containing a large number of rare stamps will be more valuable than a collection that is not based on rare stamps.

Another important factor affecting a stamp collection’s value is simply what happens to be popular at the time you decide to determine the stamp collection’s value. As a general rule of thumb, U.S. stamps that are in good condition generally tend to do better than lesser known countries, but of course, that is always tempered by condition.

The location of the buyer can also impact a stamp collection’s value. If you are trying to determine the value of a stamp collection that is based on stamps from Germany, you would do better in trying to locate a buyer from a largely German settled area than an area that is predominantly Italian.

Be aware that a stamp collection’s value for the final selling price can go higher at an auction than through utilizing other selling methods; however, you also have to take into consideration the fact that you must cover the auction fees.

One of the best ways to find out the value of a stamp collection is to have it appraised by an experienced dealer. This will give you a good idea, but be aware that the value provided to you in the estimation can be affected by time. If you have your stamp collection valued by an appraiser and then wait a year or even a few months to be put it on the open market, the value of the collection could have shifted.

If the collection in question consists of world-wide stamps, you could use a rule of thumb method. This involves simply counting the number of stamps in the collection and then multiplying by 2 cents per stamps. You can gain a ball park estimate of the stamp collection’s value using this method. On the other hand, if the collection contains sets and/or some of the stamps in the collection are really nice, there is a chance the stamp collection’s value could be more.

A stamp catalog can also be an excellent tool for determining a stamp collection’s value. You can generally depend on prices for the stamps to run slightly higher than the price levels indicated in the catalogs, but this can still give you a good idea of the average price range. After utilizing a stamp catalog to determine the value of each stamp in the catalog, you can then get a running total of the stamp collection’s value.

You can also utilize a stamp collecting software program to enter information regarding a collection and obtain an idea of the value as well as the profit and loss information based on the purchase price of the stamps in the collection.

Keep in mind; however, that regardless of which method you use for determining your stamp collection’s value, the final value will always be affected by quality, rarity and condition.