how do i sell rare stamps

If you know you have rare stamps, you can sell them through several means:

• Local Dealer: Dealers handle both collections and individual stamps. ...
• Mail Order Dealer: If you’re not going local, consider working with a mail order dealer. ...
• American Philatelic Society Circuit Sales: APS circuit books are a convenient method for offering stamps to a large number of potential buyers. ...

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Full Answer

Where is the best place to sell stamps?

Where to Sell Stamps and Stamp Collections

• West Coast Stamp Company. Location: Fresno, Calif. ...
• Mystic Stamp Company. Location: Camden, N.Y. ...
• Apfelbaum Inc. Location: Jenkintown, Pa. ...
• Quality Stamps. Location: Venice, Fla. ...
• Nick’s Stamps. Location: San Diego, Calif. ...
• Dr. Robert Friedman and Sons. ...
• Miller’s Stamp Company. Location: Waterford, Conn. ...
• United States Stamp Company. ...
• Markest Stamp Co. ...
• David F. ...

What is the most valuable rare stamp?

World's most valuable stamps

• British Guiana 1-Cent Magenta, 1856. For a very long time, the 1856 one-cent "Black on Magenta" of British Guiana was considered to be the world's rarest and most expensive stamp.
• Baden 9 Kreuzer error stamp, 1851. ...
• Red revenue large figures surcharge $1 on 3c stamp, 1897. ...
• Tiflis stamp, 1857. ...
• Buenos Aires 1p "In Ps" tete-beche pair, 1859. ...

How much are worth you old stamps?

Stamp collections are typically categorized by value: High (worth more than $3,000): Auction houses typically accept only high value collections. Medium (worth $1,000-$3,000) Low (worth up to $1,000) Once you develop an accurate estimate of your collection’s value, you’ll be better able to reach potential buyers.

Are stamps worth anything?

Stamps with postmarks are worth anywhere from nothing to thousands of dollars, depending on various factors including specific value criteria and their historical value. Their worth also depends on their full cover package value, and the valuation process used.

How can I tell if my stamps are valuable?

How to Determine Stamp ValuesOption 1: Find out the Stamp Values by Yourself. Identify the stamp. ... Option 2: Check out a Printed Reference. ... Option 3: Research the Stamp Values via the Internet. ... Option 4: Attend a Stamp Show. ... Option 5: Find out the Stamp Values via a knowledgeable Stamp Expert, Dealer or Appraiser.

Does anyone buy old stamp collections?

You can also sell your collection to a stamp auction house. However, their fees are upward of 40-50% of the sale price. Comparatively, many stamp dealers will consider 20-30% profit of the sale price. Some may even go as low as 10%, depending on how fast they can resell the material.

What rare stamps are collectors looking for?

21 most valuable stamps in the worldMauritius 1847 Post Office Stamps: $12,760,600.British Guiana 1856 1 Cent Magenta: $11,601,700.Benjamin Franklin Z Grill: $4,441,000.Swedish Treskilling Yellow: $4,238,000.Sicilian Error of Color: $2,570,600.Two Penny Blue: $2,322,400.The Whole Country Is Red: $2,302,700.More items...•

Can you get money for old stamps?

Selling Unused Stamps For Cash If your stamp collection is primarily made up of unused modern postage stamps, you can expect to receive a percentage of the total face value. Face value is the denomination or value presented on the stamp's design. Nearly all unused U.S. stamps issued after 1930 is worth face value.

How do I get my stamp collection appraised?

Look for an appraiser through authoritative sources like official stamp collection societies. The American Philatelic Society notes you may pay anywhere from $75 to $250 an hour to have the stamps/collection appraised. Some local groups, like the Northern Philatelic Society, may offer free appraisal services.

What is the rarest US postage stamp?

USA 1868 1¢ Benjamin Franklin Z Grill – $3 million (£2.6m) The 1868 Benjamin Franklin Z Grill is the rarest and most valuable of all US postage stamps. This example, which belongs to storied collector William H. Gross and is listed in the Scott Catalogue for $3 million (£2.3m), is only one of two in existence.

Is there an app to value stamps?

Stamp Identifier uses advanced image recognition technology to find that stamp and provide you more details about it, courtesy of colnect.com, a social network for worldwide collectors which has the world's largest online stamp catalog.

How much does it cost to get a stamp graded?

Service TypeFee Per StampApproximate Turnaround TimeMODERN$10 (graded only)20 business daysMID-CENTURY$15 (graded only)Up to 20 business daysVINTAGE$25Up to 30 business daysCLASSIC$35 Max fee: $600Up to 30 business days6 more rows

Is my childhood stamp collection worth anything?

Few collectors engage in their hobby in hopes of making a huge profit, but a collection built with care over the years can return a surprising amount of money. If you sell to a dealer, you should expect to receive 20 to 30 per cent of the catalogue value.

How do people make money with used postage stamps?

Charities tend to sell large batches of used postage stamps to dealers, who then sort through the batches and sell the best specimens on to collectors. The remaining stamps from the batches usually get sold too, but for use in arts and crafts instead.

How much are stamps from 1970 worth?

1970-74 Regular IssueDenom.DescriptionMint8 centDwight Eisenhower- deep claret$0.458 centUnited States Postal Service$0.3514 centFiorello LaGuardia$0.5516 centErnie Pyle - Journalist$0.904 more rows

Does anyone still collect stamps?

Today, more than 5 million people in the U.S. alone collect, preserve, and trade or sell stamps.

Are old stamp collections worth anything?

The short answer to this is yes. Stamp collections can be valuable. Not all stamp collections will be worth a significant amount of money. But some collections may include certain stamps that mean the value exceeds what you may expect.

Does anyone still collect stamps?

Today, more than 5 million people in the U.S. alone collect, preserve, and trade or sell stamps.

Does the Post Office buy back stamps?

The US Postal Service does not buy back stamps but our service allows you to sell your unused stamps. With many few in years the stamps business, over ten, we have been able to help customer streamline their stamp sale and get cash quickly.

How do I sell my stamp collection UK?

If you are disposing of a stamp collection, the best place to start is the Philatelic Traders Society. They have about 450 member dealers in the UK who abide by the society's code of ethics. You also have recourse to the society if anything goes wrong with a transaction.

What stamps are worth a lot of money?

Calculating the worth of the stamps is quite important as each stamp has its own value. Some rare and old stamps have a higher cost than common sta...

What are the most valuable German stamps?

Some common German valuable stamps are One kreuzer black stamp, Sachen 3 pfennige red stamp, Olympic Games semipostal stamp, Imperforate Baden 3-kr...

Where to Sell Stamps for Cash Near Me?

There are many places that buy stamps for cash near you. Selling stamps directly to the dealers is the fastest way to sell stamps for cash. On the...

How to tell if a stamp is rare?

You can determine the rarity of your stamp by checking to see how many of its kind are left. Unfortunately, you might need to do tons of research to know this, especially if you have a large collection.

What is the fastest way to get money from stamps?

Be sure to be knowledgeable regarding the value of your stamps so that you can successfully negotiate with the collector. 2. A Dealer. Selling to stamp dealers is the fastest way to gain immediate money.

Why do you go to stamp shows?

Going to a few stamp shows can give you a chance to see the market’s current stamp values. You’ll also have the opportunity to talk to other stamp collectors and enthusiasts who can give you opinions on your collection.

How to learn about stamps?

Check out stamp catalogs or encyclopedias, such as The Stamp Collector’s Encyclopedia by R.J. Sutton. These can help you learn all there is to know about a stamp, its value, and its history.

How to sell collections faster?

Online auctions sell collections faster than auction houses. Try sites such as eBay. You may specify the price that all bids must meet or exceed to ensure your collection isn’t sold for less than its value. Within a week or two, bidders may start emailing you questions about your collection.

Why are stamps on high demand?

Stamps that are on high demand obviously have a higher value because they are more sought-after by collectors.

How to find the value of a stamp?

Many online sites can help you determine the value of your stamp. These include stamp dealer sites, auction sites, stamp forums , and blogs put up by other stamp collectors.

How to sell stamps?

How To Sell A Stamp Collection The Right Way. The first step to take is to find out the true market value of your stamps. Even if it’s your own personal collection, the resale value and desirability of your stamps may have changed for better or worse throughout the years. If you are unsure, the first thing you’ll want to do is have ...

What is the minimum value of stamps?

When looking through a 2020 Scott Stamp Catalogue, you’ll notice that you won’t find a stamp value less than $0.45 . The most common stamps, which are the majority, will all have values of $0.45. This again, is a misrepresentation of market values portrayed by the catalogue publishers.

Why are stamp catalogues not publicized?

The reason for this is that the publishers of the industry-go-to stamp catalogues are using historic data over several decades as a baseline. They also do not have a pulse on what is selling online on websites like eBay and HipStamp, nor local stamp clubs, as these marketplaces do not publicize sales data.

What percentage of catalogue value is used to value a stamp?

Many collectors will use a percentage of catalogue value to gauge the market value of what they expect to pay for a stamp in average condition. For example, 10-20% of catalogue value would value a $100 stamp at $10-$20.

Why do people hold onto stamps?

Many end up feeling that they are being taken advantage of. Some develop a disdain for the hobby and industry. Others end up holding onto the stamps in hopes that their value will increase in the future. However, they will likely not see a positive return due to the decline of the hobby over the past 25 years.

Do you need to get a stamp appraisal?

However, if you inherited a stamp collection, or perhaps found one at an estate sale, you’ll want to get a stamp appraisal before selling.

Is there a right way to sell stamps?

There is a right way and wrong way to sell a stamp collection. Many people believe that their stamps are worth what catalogue value says, or compare their stamps to what they see online. This starts the seller on the wrong foot from the start.

How Do I Know If My Stamps are Valuable?

Some used and old stamps might be very valuable. On the other hand, ordinary-looking things may also be expensive. This is why it is good to know the value of the stamps. For determining the values of the stamps, follow the following steps:

Best Places to Sell Old Stamps

There are many places where you can go and sell your old stamps. However, in this section, I’ll explain some places that you may find near you. Here is a list of the places for selling stamps:

Guide To Selling Your Stamps

First of all, calculate the worth of the stamps as each stamp has its own value. Some rare and old stamps have a higher cost than common stamps so it is best to calculate the worth of the stamp.

Our Verdict

To conclude here, selling old stamps is a great idea but for that, it is best to calculate the value of the stamp. I have explained many places where you can sell stamps, now it’s up to you which place near you suits you.

How much is a postage stamp worth?

Basically, stamps issued after 1930 are worth face value. This means that they’re worth the value of the denomination that’s printed on them. So, if you have a United States postage stamp that is from the 1950s, which says “3 cents” on it, then it’s worth 3 cents today.

Who is the Mystic Stamp Company?

The Mystic Stamp Company has been in the stamp marketing industry since 1923! In the past five years, the company has spent more than $70 million dollars and is looking for more stamp collections to buy. You can ship your stamps to the Mystic Stamp Company, and the company will pay you on the spot.

How much does it cost to become a member of the American Philatelic Society?

Now, if you’re not a member of the American Philatelic Society, then you’ll need to sign up for a membership, which costs $45 annually if you’re in the US and up to $65 annually for those who’re outside of the US. New members who are under 30 pay just $25 annually for their membership.

When were stamps first issued?

With the long history of stamps (fun fact: Britain issued the first stamp on May 6, 1840!) there are tens of thousands of rare and collectible stamps out there. In today’s post, I’ll cover places where you can sell postage stamps and get the most money.

Is Miller's Stamp Company legit?

You can mail your stamps to the company or you can make an appointment and bring your stamps in-person to sell them. It’s a legit place to sell, as the company is a member of the American Stamp Dealers Association (ASDA), The American Philatelic Association (APS), and many other reputable organizations.

Does Apfelbaum sell stamps?

Since 1910, Apfelbaum, Inc. has been buying and selling quality stamps. You can get an immediate cash payment and ship your stamps to the company for free. The best part is that Apfelbaum, Inc. will even give you a comprehensive appraisal on your stamp collection for free.

Is 1930 a modern day stamp?

While you may think that stamps issued in 1930 are old, they are considered to be modern in the world of stamp collecting.

How many dealers should check stamps?

Have them checked by at least two different dealers and cross-check what they say with stamp reference guides and online stamp collector forums.

Is it helpful to take pictures of stamps?

Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1. It is very important to take pictures of your stamps, there's less chance of a buyer being upset by wrongly described stamps if they have seen a picture before buying. Thanks! Helpful 3 Not Helpful 4.

Is a used stamp worth anything?

No, used stamps are useless in regards to having additional value.

What does it mean to sell stamps on consignment?

Selling on consignment means that you are paying for a professional to sell your stamps for you. Instead of offering you a lower than market value to resell, stamp consignment services will provide you with a transparent realization of what your stamps sold for.

How much face value do stamps have?

However, don’t expect to get the full face value for your stamps when selling them. They typically trade in bulk between 30-70% face value, depending on the type of stamp and its condition. There are companies that pay cash for modern unused postage stamps.

Can you sell stamps for cash?

Remember, when you sell stamps for cash, the outcome of the transaction will be based on who you sell them to. There’s no right or wrong way, but there is a smart way to sell your stamp collection depending on your goals.

Can you sell stamps to another collector?

Selling directly to another stamp collector may provide you with the highest sale price for your stamps. You’ll bypass dealer and auction mark-ups. To get the most out of your stamps, you can “piece out” the collection over time to several stamp collectors.

Can a stamp collector offer a competitive price?

Therefore, they may be willing to offer you a competitive price for your stamp collection in order to seal the deal. They can often provide a stamp appraisal fairly quickly, putting fast cash in your pocket.

Can you sell stamps to a trusted source?

Instead it’s typically a win-win, as you are able to sell your stamps quickly to a trusted source. You can then move on to other things like planning on where to spend your newly found money. Sell your collection to a stamp dealer.

Where do rare stamps come from?

Rare stamps are very, very hard to find, and usually come from the estates of long-time collectors who actively spent a lifetime searching for rarities.

Are old stamps valuable?

SOMETIMES Not all old stamps are valuable. The Internet meme that green Benjamin Franklin stamps are priceless is false, sad to sad. If it were true, we would be billionaires because we literally have thousands of them.