If you weren’t a stamp collector before inheriting a whole collection, you might be quite unfamiliar with the world of philately. Luckily, several resources are available to help you navigate the process of collecting and managing stamps. Here’s everything you need to know about valuing and selling your inherited stamp collection.

Have Your Stamp Collection Appraised

Before selling your rare stamps, you should have them valued by an experienced professional. While stamp collecting can be a fun hobby shared with others, some collectors don’t consider your interests and will try to give you less than what your collection is worth. To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, take your collection to pawn shops that buy stamps to have them appraised by knowledgeable stamp dealers.

Your stamp appraiser will evaluate your collection on the following criteria:

• Rarity: The more rare your stamps are, the higher their value will be. Stamp collectors want stamps that finish their collection and cannot be easily attained by others. The highest valued stamps are the ones issued prior to 1930.
• Stamp Condition: Stamps in good condition can fetch a higher price. Your stamp dealer will evaluate the stamp’s backing, perforations, and design and look for any signs of damage. Often, whether a stamp has been used or not does not affect its value. In fact, many philatelists prefer canceled stamps.
• Market Conditions: The value of a stamp collection can rise and fall depending on the market. For example, stamps from Asia recently increased in popularity, making them more valuable. On the other hand, when the market becomes saturated with similar stamps, their value decreases.

How to Prepare Your Stamps for Sale

If you want the best price for your stamps, you must present them properly. You can do this by placing the collection in a stamp album (choose one made for “archival quality”). Make sure the stamp is completely inside the mount (or the tiny plastic cover) so that the stamp isn’t exposed to changes in temperature or humidity. Once the stamp is inside the mount, attach it to the album page.

Keep Your Stamps Stored Properly Before the Sale

Some people who have inherited a stamp collection from a loved one erroneously place the collection in the attic, basement, or garage until they have time to deal with it later. Whether you plan to sell your stamp collection tomorrow or a year from now, you need to store it properly so that it doesn’t become damaged.

Keep your inherited stamp collection in a cool, dry place. You don’t want the stamps to be affected by humidity and moisture because these elements can easily deteriorate the collection’s value.

Also, make sure to store the stamp albums in an upright position. If they rest on their sides, the pressure on the album can cause the stamps to stick to the page.

Take the First Step in Selling Your Inherited Stamp Collection

Deciding to part with a stamp collection you inherited through a loved one is not always easy. To make an informed decision, you should have your collection appraised by a professional. Our stamp appraisers can provide an accurate valuation of your rare stamp collection. If you decide to sell it, we can guide you seamlessly through the process and help you get the best value for your stamps.

Stop by our shop today to learn more about our stamp collection appraisal process. You can also sell your inherited coins for cash or trade-in your gold and diamond jewelry.