Complete Novice -- Stamp Collection

First off, my apologies to the group if my request is completely off base.

I'm reaching out for assistance with a starting point in determining both the value and the best safe keeping of my late grandmother's stamp collection. The collection was recently discovered in what appears to be excellent condition in a large metal box, probably an older silverware box. Many date back to the 50's, some older, with some that are more recent (probably a few in the early 80's).

We remember that my grandmother would visit post offices looking for specific stamps when issued in the 60's and 70's. She probably did the same earlier than we remember. We think that our recent discovery is some or all of those stamps.

Obviously I'm the cave man who has just been shown an automobile...I'm intrigued by the collection, think (perhaps hope) it's something special and want to learn more about it. Frankly, I don't know if I've discovered a box of stamps worth exactly their one, two and three cent face values, or something much more.

Many of the stamps are entire sheets of stamps, others appear to be 'corners' which we recall my grandmother speaking about during her quest to collect the stamps five decades ago.

Any assistance in directing me to a trustworthy starting point in getting advice on their value, storage, etc. would be much appreciated.

Full disclosure, we don't really need the money at this moment, so our first priority is NOT to sell them, but rather at least be able to speak intelligently to their value.

Thanks in advance for all information!

geno404,
1st of all Welcome! The Corner blocks you are describing are most likely Plate Blocks also called P.B.'s for short. You might want to check your local library for Scotts Standard Postage Stamp Catalog. Countries are listed alphabetically and the US has it's own book. Also you could check to see if their is a local stamp club or local Stamp Show's. A listing can be found here:

Clubs, http://www.stamps.org/directories/d...calClubs.htm

Shows, http://www.stamps.org/directories/d...Calendar.htm

geno404!

It is great stuff that your are treating your Grandmothers stamp collection with great respect.
You have said that the collection is in good condition.
To me some of the older collections that are in good condition have a beautiful old looking appearance about them and it really adds to the collection.
Most of your stamps sound like they come from the US, so I can not help in this area.
Just keep asking question and reading other threads. There are a lot of threads that are going to help you a great deal on SCF. Happy Stamping KGV

geno404,
First, welcome to the forum. There are a few web sites that can help you. These are for U.S. and UK.
http://www.theswedishtiger.com/unit...ps-menu.html (U.S. up to about 1950)
http://www.theswedishtiger.com/gb/ (UK to about 1910)
http://1847usa.com/ (U.S. to about 1965 for some issues)

I think from his description that you might not find pre-1900 stamps in the collection. geno404, going on your description, you are most likely looking at face value for the mint stamps. But I would agree with the others that you should get a scotts us specialized stamp catalog. used ones can be had very cheaply on Amazon and your local library may have one.

Hi,
If you have the time and equipment it has been said 'a picture paints a thousand words'
Get some scans uploaded or maybe some digital photos as the next best thing as firstly we would love to see the collection and would also assist in your request.

You can find a simplified catalogue for US stamps at this commercial site - they use the Scott catalogue numbering system, but they show their own retail prices rather than the Scott values.

http://www.mysticstampcatalog.com/l...g/Vol_5_2010

Often, their own price is much higher than the Scott catalogue value. Here's a representative example.

Ryan

Now who would pay $39.95 for a stamp when you can get the complete book of 3 on ebay for $30 (less than face)?

http://cgi.ebay.com/130449834881

Not me but then that must be "Mysterious" pricing.

With a few exceptions, I am of the opinion that it is quite possible to purchase a MNH copy of most every stamp issued after 1940 in the US for less than face value. For the most part collections that are of recent vintage are not going to fetch prices above face, and will most likely bring less than face if offered to a dealer. Just my 2 cents, er um I mean %< than face.

Hi, Geno404, and welcome.
If the collection is primarily USA from the 1950s on, there's very unlikely to be much that is particularly valuable - so apart from the odd item, the best use of the extra copies may be to trade for other stamps (if the stamp collecting bug bites you!).

You imply that the stamps are loose rather than in albums.

It seems to me that what might be the best thing to do is to get a cheap stock book to sort the stamps into, and then get a feeling for which stamps you most like. And then get an album for them (I use ring files with 4 D rings with loose leaf black stock sheets). Not cheap, but I think it's a lovely way to show off beautiful stamps. I use Lighthouse Vario, retail for about £2.25 for 5 sheets in UK, but there are various others, obtainable online or from a stamp dealer.

You'll get far more pleasure out of looking at them, remembering your mother's fun in collecting them, and adding to them in whatever way you enjoy. Stamp collecting is a great hobby!

heck, if he ever hits 50 posts.. I have all the pages from a liberty album for sale.

Thanks to everyone who replied. I'm going to my mom's house in a few weeks and I'll try to get some 'first hand' information on the stamps and your input has given me some ideas of what to look for.

I appreciate all the help from everyone. It gives me a starting point from which to operate.