More on Postage Stamp Values (Part II)


Some amount of philatelic knowledge and experience is required before anyone can determine the value of a vintage or modern postage stamp.  Sometimes it's just a matter of looking a stamp up in a stamp catalog, but in many cases stamps that are valuable look almost identical to stamps that have only the minimum value.  They can be so similar that even experienced stamp collectors and stamp dealers must sometimes send a stamp to a stamp expertizing service before they can be sure about the identity and value of a stamp.

There are a few things that anyone who inherits an old stamp collection - or even just a box of loose stamps - should realize. 

Most importantly, know that although there certainly are exceptions, the stamps you inherit probably won't be valuable enough to pay for a new car, put your child through college or buy a new house.  If you start out with this assumption and later find out otherwise, that the stamps do have a great deal of value, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

You should know that no one, whether they're an experienced stamp dealer, stamp collector or anyone else, will be able to tell you the value of your stamps without seeing them.  You should be willing to compensate the person who reviews your stamps, at least in some small way.  They'll spend a lot of time looking at your stamps and paying them something for their time and knowledge is only fair.  A stamp dealer who evaluates your stamps should be looked at in the same way as any other professional who gives informed opinions.

If it turns out that your stamps don't have much value, don't despair.  They just might provide you with a relaxing and challenging new hobby that you can enjoy for years to come.