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It does not get simpler than that, I buy all stamps, plus any covers, supplies, catalogs or books related to stamp collecting.
It is impossible to judge the value of items without being able to personally examine them. Condition plays the most important factor in determining value and just knowing what stamps you have
is not good enough, they must be examined to be evaluated. This means that the material must be sent to me before I can make more than a ballpark offer. I like to get this information out right away as it turns probably
50% of people off who are not willing to send the material, but this is the only way. The only exceptions are items that can be purchased in any condition and that short list is below.
I have
listed here some signs to help you judge whether you have a valuable collection or a collection of little or no value.
Signs of a collection with value. --Sturdy album
- Most collectors who put money into stamps also put money into safe, quality storage for their stamps. Look for albums of several hundred pages or more, look for good condition of albums. Stamps mounted on notebook paper, thrown into a sandwich bag, or placed in boxes are all negative signs.
--Generous numbers of older stamps
- In the stamp collecting world, stamps from the 1940's are not old. To be assured of value you are looking for quantities of stamps from the 1840's - 1900's. There will almost always be a few stamps from this era as there are a few stamps that are of minimal value that turn up in every collection. A larger quantity of stamps from this era is a good sign.
--Unused stamps
- Having a collection of stamps that are not used always leads to at least some value. If the unused stamps are from the 1940's - present then the value is generally less then the face value of the stamps. If the stamps are from the 1920's - 1940's then you probably have some value. If the stamps are from the 1840's - 1910's then you have a good chance at significant value.
--Full sets and high values on stamps from 1840's - 1920's
- Stamps are generally issued in sets. There will be a run of similarly designed stamps with different denominations. Generally the lower face values in the sets are the most common and least valued to collectors. Look for runs of stamps from low 1¢ values up through higher denominations. If the higher values are present this is a good sign, if the stamps are all 1¢ and 2¢ stamps this is a bad sign
Signs of a collection with little value. --Poor storage - A box of envelope clippings, a sandwich bag of unsorted stamps, a small 20 page album in worn condition, these are all pointers to collections with little value.
--Improper storage
- Any use of scotch tape or glue to hold stamps down. Stamps that are stained, mildewed, or discolored are all signs of improper storage and probably destroyed any value that may have been in the stamps.
--Common stamps
- used stamps from the 1940s - present, unused stamps 1950s-1990s, and a spattering of older used items. These are the common items and are found in just about every collection out there. Nearly all stamps from these eras are very common and have little value.
--Stamp condition
- Look at the stamps, are they torn? creased? stained? These conditions reduce the value greatly. On very old stamps from the 1840's - 1890's you can still have some value, but on newer stamps these faults will reduce the items to worthless.
--Ready made collectibles - Things such as gold stamps, framed stamps and other manufactured collectibles. These types of items have no secondary market and are of no value. I want to send you my stamps, what do I do next? You may send me any stamps you like,
fitting any categories above is not a requirement, just a guide to what you can expect. I will examine them and make you an offer. If the offer is accepted your payment will be sent immediately. If the offer is
declined, your stamps will be returned immediatly.
I strongly recommend you insure and/or register your package when mailing it to me. I will be responsible for the stamps safekeeping while
they are in my possession, but not while they are in the Post Office's possession. I strongly recommend you use a box for mailing, padded and manilla envelopes offer little protection.
So,
pack up your collection in a box, along with your name, address and e-mail address and send them to the address below. If you are looking for credit with me rather than cash payment, just let
me know, credit offers are generally 20% higher than cash offers. Items that do not require my examination. Just send any of this type of material along for immediate payment. |
