Questions From A Beginner

Hello all, I have joined this forum to graciously help my mother sell a collection of stamps that she recently acquired. I have read as many threads as I can in one sitting and let me say that I had no idea that stamps were this interesting. Also, you guys are amazingly friendly compared to the threads on the car forums that I am usually glued to! I feel bad that I have not paid more attention to such a cool hobby. Well anyways, let me start with some of the questions my mother is rattling off to me as I type:

Mom says-

"I am considering selling these stamps through Heritage House Auction, and I was wondering if it is a good place to sell stamps and what is fair commission for someone selling stamps."
"Can anyone recommend someone who is fair and honest to look at my stamps in Colorado?"

Also guys, I was doing some research on this one stamp that my mom had and found it selling on heritage house for $8,863.

(http://stamps.ha.com/common/view_it...31904#photo)

I was very excited to see this… However, I found a stamp on ebay for $225.00 that looks exactly like it just a different #?

(http://cgi.ebay.com/momen-US-Stamps...80_W0QQitemZ190190505272QQcategoryZ3461QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3907.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DFICS%252BUFI%252BUA%252BIA%252BUCI%26otn%3D15%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D54)

How can one stamp be worth so much, and one that looks just like it be nothing. And how do you tell. If I find a stamp on the road, how do I know what number it is?

Michael

Hi Michael,

Welcome to the SCF.

Correctly costing up a complete stamp collection can be a huge task.
Depending on the size of the collection, it could take you many months. I don't mean to try to put you off, it's just that there are many different options even within one stamp. You need to know colour variations, watermarks, perforations, type of printing, etc.
Because of the time involved, it is probably not viable to get some one else to do it for you, it could cost more than the collection is worth.
I would suggest that you go to your local library and borrow the Scott's catalogue. The basic catalogue, will give you a rough idea, but if you want to know exact values for all the different types, you will need the specialised catalogue. You will also need a magnifying glass, color identifier, perforation gauge and watermark identifier and tongs and lots of time.
If you can scan pictures of each page of the collection and post them here, we may be able to tell you which stamps may be more valuable than others.
Have fun and I hope you get hooked and decide to stick around.

Steve

I would just say...take your time...it amazes me how many people I have seen take the offer from the second dealer looking at the stamps..probably 3 offers would give you a ball park figure..and do not be afraid to ask them questions....

I would say,..consider keeping them! For one thing, if you do have stamps of "value", then they usually go up , not down in the future. (I know thats not always true, but usually). You will find stamp collectors to be among the best humans God has graced this earth with, and make many new friends if you should decide to take up this hobby.

But, if your mom is intent on selling, there are lots of people on here with the right advice. I am a completer beginner to stamp collecting and these people are my mentors, teachers, guides and friends, they won't steer you wrong!

Everone has given you good advice. It does sound like you are interested in dabbling in collectoing yourself, though. Also, see if there are any stamp dealers or stamp clubs nearby for opinions.

I would echo some of the above but would add that you should not be in a hurry to dispose of the collection. See if you can get the opinion of about different dealers to get a ballpark figure of the gross value. If you can find a stamp shjow in your area you will have a good starting place. Approach the auction house carefully because there are a lot of costs that can really add up quickly although the convenience is tempting. You really shoul consider involving yourself in the hobby for awhile for the education if nothing else. Good luck.

Welcome to the forum merrillm1.

My 2 cents worth is to consider stamp collecting as a fun hobby. Don't look at it as a way to make a lot of money; you may find yourself quite disappointed if you do. Never the less, if you seriously get into the hobby you will invariably end up with some valuable stamps. Get to know stamps. Triggersmob has given you excellent advice for a good start.

A brief answer to your question about how can apparently identical stamps vary widely in value. Usually, but not always, it has to do with how many were printed. One may have been printed by hundreds of millions and the same design with some variation may have less than 100 know to exist.

i agree with what quignit said