How to Find Stamp Values

Some people collect stamps as tradition or because they think it is fun. Why not turn those stamps into cash? Of course, learning the value of your stamps doesn't have to be for monetary gain, but just to ease your curiosity. Each year, stamps vary in value based on a number of factors. Here is how to find stamp values:

Stamp Dealers

These can be used to appraise your stamp collection. The appraiser will use many different factors to determine the value of your stamp collection. The dealer may appraise a certain stamp for a certain amount, but this does not mean they will pay that actual amount. Any retailer will usually pay around 25%-70% of what the collection 'book value' is. The best way to make money from stamp collections is to sell them online. Most people are willing to bid on collectible items and you will be paid more than from a retailer who is usually interested in reselling.

DIY

You can also determine the value of a stamp on your own with a little bit of investigation. To do this, you must determine the stamp's country of origin, whether the stamp is new or used, condition of the stamp and how rare it is. These are all conditions that are used when deciding how much a stamp is worth.

When wondering how to find stamp values, it is also important to investigate small details, such as the country where the stamp hails. Most stamps have the name of their country printed on the stamp, except for Great Britain. If a stamp is from the United States, it will more than likely read U.S. postage or USA. If the stamp is from a country and the first language is not English, then the stamp will have the name printed in their original language. There are some online International stamp guides that provide free translations from country names. Stamp collectors can also use other free resources such as Google Translator.

When looking at the condition of the stamp, it is important to understand the difference between good, bad and fine condition. The smallest detail can mean a difference of 10%-75%. It is also important to look for image, size, damage, color fading and hinge marks when looking over stamps. Most buyers will pay top dollar for stamps that are in mint condition. If you are wondering how to find stamp values, it is in the best interest for the stamp collector to take good care of their stamps if they are looking to make a profit in the future.

Photo Credits: Svadilfari

Originally posted 2010-08-08 03:38:24.

This post involves:

international stamps, Stamp Collection, stamp collections, stamp collectors, stamp dealers, stamp values, stamps

... and focuses on:

Insuring Stamps and Collections, Stamp Collecting, Stamp Collection, Valuable Stamps

Posted by Collectible Stamp on January 10, 2012 in Insuring Stamps and Collections, Stamp Collecting, Stamp Collection, Valuable Stamps.