Selling a Stamp Collection

When I was younger I really liked to collect stamps. But as I grew up and got involved in other fun activities, I gradually started losing interest in the stamp collecting hobby. So, I started thinking of selling my collection of stamps. After all, I didn't want all that hard work to get wasted!

So, if you too have given up collecting stamps or have inherited a nice collection, and are wondering about how to sell stamp collection, then you need not worry. There are a number of stamp collectors who'd be willing to purchase your collection at a price that it merits. Your stamps may not be worth a fortune, but there's no harm in trying to earn some extra bucks.

Start by acquiring an idea about the worth of your collection. You could do this in many ways. You need to proceed depending upon the way you intend to sell your stamps.

Selling through Dealers:

You could hire a local appraiser to assist you with the sale. He would examine the collection to give a written estimate of what it's worth. This is a good way to proceed as the appraisers have no interest in buying the collection. Thus, there's no reason for them to cheat you by quoting a lower price than you deserve for your collection. However, they would charge you a fee for their services, which you should always decide before going ahead with the deal. You could also get in touch with stamp collectors who make money by buying and selling stamps.

Selling by Yourself:

If you want to sell your stamp collection all by yourself, then be ready for a good learning experience. It won't be a cake walk but it would teach you a lot about stamps. Pick up a Scott catalog to find your stamps' value. You could even go to a stamp club close to your place. The members of these clubs know a lot about stamps and would help you with all your queries about the collection. If you are lucky, a member might even offer to pay you a good deal for the collection.

Selling on the Internet:

There's a large number of websites on the Internet that deal with selling of collectibles. 'eBay' and 'Delcampe' are good examples. You could even create your own site to sell stamps, but it would need huge inputs of time and effort. Describe your stamps well in detail on these sites to get the best price.

Selling through an Auction:

Certain auction house would sell your collection for you if they feel that your collection is valued. Few indicators that a collection will sell well are given below:

• The stamps are in a good condition. They are not torn and untidy.
• The stamps belong to a single country.
• They belong to very old times. Stamps since around 1935 in the USA have no value.
• The collection has the envelopes with the stamps. These envelopes, on which the stamps are pasted, are more valuable than the stamps themselves.
• The collection consists of 'philatelic literature' describing the stamps.

Now that you know how to sell a stamp collection, get ready to use the approach that best suits your situation.

Photo credits: itchys

Originally posted 2010-06-04 03:01:35.

This post involves:

appraisers, collecting stamps, stamp club, Stamp Collection, stamp collectors

... and focuses on:

Selling and Buying Stamps, Stamp Collection

Posted by Collectible Stamp on January 10, 2012 in Selling and Buying Stamps, Stamp Collection.