Setting a value for worldwide stamp collection
I know I’ve written in the past a long post about the value of stamp collection. But since the topic is amongst most read (and also amongst most requested in private comments) it is IMHO worth a revisit. This piece tries to provide a very simple, fast and somewhat accurate way for non-philatelist to get a rough value estimate for average quality collection containing used worlwide stamps.
Step#1: do a bulk estimate
Simply estimate (or count) the number of different stamps in collection and then check the table below.
| Number of stamps | Formula to count value | Collection value in €/$ |
|---|---|---|
| 0-300 | number of stamps * 1 cent | 0 -3 |
| 300-1,000 | number of stamps * 2 cent | 6 -20 |
| 1,000-5,000 | number of stamps * 3 cents | 30 – 150 |
| 5,000-10,000 | number of stamps * 4 cents | 200 – 400 |
| Over 10,000 | number of stamps * 5 cents | 500 - |
Step#2: Take into account other factors
Answer the questions below and write down the “color code of column” for each answer. In case the answer is in multiple columns, choose the color on the leftmost column. If you don’t know the answer, then choose the leftmost answer.
| Collection contains stamps from… | Don’t know / Late 20th century | 19th and 20th century with weight heavily on on latter end | 19th and 20th century with notable portion of 19th century stamps | 19th century and early 20th century | 19th century and early 20th century |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stamps are stored in… | Loose (on envelope,box etc) | “Low quality” stamp album or stockbook | Quality (pre-printed) stamp album or stockbook | High-quality (pre-printed) stamp album or self-made pages | |
| Collection is/was insured… | No | Yes | |||
For each answers increase the collection value (you already have) with percentage matching the color code on table below:
| 0% | 3% | 10% | 20% | 30% |
Closing words
2007 USA - I'm not Yoda, but I do know a lot about stamps... 
First, I’m not a stamp dealer; never have been, never will be. But as I buy stamps for my collection frequently I know a fair deal about the stamp markets. .. Dealers look for two things: how fast they can turn the material over (get it out of stock/inventory) and what is their margin on it. A collection composed mainly or entirely of low value common (sometimes also referred as junk) material is worth little, if anything, to a dealer. To find out a more precise value You should always visit either a local stamp club or stamp dealer, show the stamps and ask for appraisal. And above all, always ask several (or at least two) opinions.
Secondly, it is important to note, that the above tables should not be used for single country collections as they should be evaluated in different “country specific scope”. This is something I will discuss in another post.
And finally… If you want simply a quick and dirty “take the money and run” -solution… Place the stamp album/collection on sale at eBay. And (VERY IMPORTANT!!!)… Scan/photograp everything (=every page in collection) you’re about to sell. Make sure the photos are accurate and good quality before placing them with the item description. And (EQUALLY IMPORTANT)… Place the starting bid to be very modest (10-30€/$)… If the collection contains anything valuable, it will sell (and possibly even go up).
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Hi,
I have a stamp collection of Austria stamps started in 1940. The stamps are in good shape and protected. I would like to know where could I get an evaluation of the stamps and where are the best places to sell Osterich stamps?
Thanks for your help,
regards
Norberto
Hi Norberto,
I would recommend looking at the Yellow Pages for possible stamp dealers and stamp clubs in your area. If you find any, then You should definitely go and meet them; and display the collection physically. That’s the most convenient way for everyone.
Alternatively you could pick up some national/international stamp dealer names/contacts using Google, and contact them for possible interest. If they think the collection has notable value or use for them, they will either come to visit You, or guide You on mailing the stamps/collection for review (but never-ever DO NOT MAIL stamps/collection to dealer without specific request; they take no responsibility of unrequested mailings!)
As for selling… For Austrian stamps I’d say Austria and related countries (Hungary,Germany) are the best market area.
best,
-keijo-