Please Appraise This Small Collection

I have 2 pages of scans from a stamp collection that I would like to have appraised. They arent mine, they belong to my brother but he asked me to try to find out what they are worth for him and this seems to be the most resourceful forum I could find on the subject.

I also decided to try here in the hope that I would get multiple answers and not have to worry that the person telling me was a potential buyer as my brother seems to think anyone interested in buying them might lie about their value to get a better deal.

Here are the 2 scans;

http://img641.imageshack.us/i/stamps001.jpg/

http://img43.imageshack.us/i/stamps.jpg/


Thanks in advance, I really appreciate the help.

Jump over and read this post and the two replies....

https://goscf.com/t/6939

Your answer is essentially the same.

KirkS

I'm sorry if I broke the rules but I'm actually just interested in what theyre worth, not selling them.

Thats actually why I asked here instead of with a buyer online although I found 2 websites that claim to do free appraisals named harbour stamps and dr. robert friedman. If its not allowed to tell me what theyre value is here can you direct me to a trustworthy site that does allow it?

I would recommend two points of view:

* obtain Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue price as a reference. My local library has a copy.
NOTE: You will need to adjust the listed prices based on condition (some of the stamps you shown have corners missing, stains etc.)

* if you find stamps with high catalog values you can search ebay and get a feel for the price they are selling. Again condition is important. A $100 catalogue value might sell for $10 if not in top condition...and of course collectibles tend to sell below catalog value unless, rare, hot and exceptional condition.

Also I would recommend looking up the US stamps first...the Romania, Hungary, UK and German stamps I saw looked pretty common.

Hello krelnius......


Most have little to no value but several have possibilities. Please post large clear pictures of both sides the ones I've circled.

Even if they turn out to be great.....I have no interest in buying.

As nr-notrare stated the ones that are circled are worth a 2nd look. They might have some real value. The revenues would be a few dollars. However with the tape stain virtually worthless. Page 2 If you were offered a dollar or 2 take it and run!

My apoligies, krelnius

I didn't mean to give you a short answer -- just to point you in the right direction. Also, there are several threads on SCF about "Inheriting a Collection." That's not exactly your situation, but they will have some good information for you and your brother about getting started with a bunch of "unknown" stamps.

As you've probably realized, it takes a lot of time to identify each stamp, look up it's value in a catalog, and make notes of the details. When you combine that with the fact that most stamps have values measured in CENTS, not dollars, it can become a chore.

There is a great lesson for you in this thread. Any serious collector will begin the process as Tom (nr-notare) has. First, identify the possible high-value stamps and ignore those likely to have only a minimal value. Second, perform a closer examination and valuation of those Tom identified.

Of course, I realize that, as a beginner, you don't yet have the knowledge to scan a group and identify the possible high-values. But I really hope you'll stick around here long enough to learn and gain that skill.

The bottom line on your stamps is they probably won't bring you a lot of money, but if your brother will give them to you, they'll make a good start towards a collection that will give you a lifetime of enjoyment.

Kirk

Here are the front and back scans you asked for, I did these at 600dpi. I hope thats enough but if it isnt I can rescan them. My brother said he thinks the rarest one is the lincoln but I'll take your word over his for sure, you guys seem to really know what your talking about.

I had no idea it was so precise and I never really knew the back of a stamp mattered much.

I read that you sometimes have to use some kind of watermark revealing liquid to know more about a stamp?? That idea scares me, I get all nervous just using tweezers to scan them.

Anyway sorry to get off topic, are these clear enough pictures nr-notrare?

http://img718.imageshack.us/i/stamps005.jpg/
http://img14.imageshack.us/i/stamps004.jpg/

Also its cool if your not interested in buying, like I said I dont think we would sell them unless like one of us suddenly needed an expensive medical operation haha, but my brother is really curious.

Thanks again for taking the time to look at them, I've had trouble at my library recently and was not able to get the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue book.

If you are going to keep them I suggest purchasing a proper pair of stamp tongs and discontinue using tweezers which can damage your stamps.

I bought a pair of tongs, thanks for the warning.

I went to my local library but they only have 2 books about stamps and neither are the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue.

I live in a pretty small town in Missouri is probably why.

Is there any other way to see the catalogue so I can look up the stamps myself? I went to their website but the books cost a ton! I dont want to have to wait for my library to order the book from ANOTHER library if they even will, so is there maybe an online version?

Or some other reliable stamp database you guys could point me to?

krelnius, You are right on about catalogues costing a ton. Those expensive ones are the best but you can also check out some free stamp value sources. www.theswedishtiger.com has excellent info but generally shows values for better undamaged (called faults) stamps. Many of yours have faults that greatly reduce value. Another site is www.mysticstamp.com which has an excellent online catalog. But be aware that Mystic Stamp overprices nearly all of their stamps so you won't find a true value for your stamps, only a relative exaggerated value.

Marty