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-
I have inherited a large stamp collection that contains stamps worldwide beginning with the late 1800’s and ending in the mid 1960’s. There are countries in here that no longer exist. The book is not complete. It is the Citation Stamp Album – World’s Largest Capacity Stamp Album personally compiled by H.E. Haris. The collection includes:
I would like to sell this collection, but don’t want to get ripped off. I live near Washington, NC and am looking for a private collector or appraiser that won’t charge me a fortune. Thanks for your help,
Debra
@Debra… Asking “how much do I get from this” should NEVER pay you anything. So go ahead and show what you have to local stamp dealers / stamp clubs, and shop around for best offer. I’m sure most of them will give the album a quick peek and some price in matter of couple of minutes. But be prepared that it will be a modest sum, as dealer will always assume the worst (=bad quality, forgeries, low value stamps etc) in this kind of quick review.
Anything beyond a quick valuation will be charged; after all stamp dealers need to charge their time same way such as plumber, barber, lawyer etc. professionals do. If you are not prepared to pay for this, then Your only option is to do some of the preparations yourself (I know, it takes time – but that’s what you are asking the dealer to do as well). Go to library, get a set of catalogs and highlight the pages/stamps that have a higher catalog value (say $10 or more). This way the dealer will instantly see what’s good/worth the value in the album; and it will get you a much more decent offer.
I have austrian stamps and the fact I need help to value them to know if they are worth selling or not
@Rose…Please see this comment for advice.
I have a collection of stamps from 1912 to the 1950s. Could you please tell me what the value would be of the stamps. Thank you.
P.Brown
@Philip Brown… Without an image that is pretty much impossible. It all depends so much on what the stamps are, and in what condition they are. Especially the latter has very significant weight with older stamps.
Using the formula I have on this page, you can count a rough bulk estimate based on quantity and quality of stamps. It should pretty well reflect the base/bottom prices most dealers might pay for general (mixed quality) accumulations/collections. Any better items and good condition will of course increase the value.
I’m over 50 years in the hobby, and experience tells me that each dealer works out his own way of valuating collections that are offered to him/her for sale. As for myself, I go through a collection, page by page, and count the number of stamps with cv’s of $10 or more. If I count 100 stamps, that’s $1,000 cv, and I offer 25% or $250.00.
If the collection is mounted using mounts instead of hinges I tack on an additional 10%. If I find very high values,
example a Canada $4. Jubilee, I will count it as 15 stamps of $10.
A lot of the collections I am offered are made up of 1940-1960 material from East Bloc countries. To me these are all “junk” and no offer is made.
Allan Singer… Would you offer less if the seller brought in only their stamps with cv’s of $10 or more? How do you value the “chaff”?
The February 2012 issue of the American Philatelist touches on this in “Philatelic Estate Disposition for the Novice”. They also used the $10.00 threshold described by Allan Singer above, stamps damaged hd the value reduced by 90%, undamaged were valued at a 80% reduction from the catalogue value.
@Alyn… Interesting as in (Northern) Europe damaged stamps are rarely counted / included unless they have a significant (>100€) catalog value . I guess this is just another difference in how different the European markets and quality expectations are compared to US.