My Canadian Collection

inherited album of Canadian stamps and wanted some thought on this album, and the best route of getting this valued/appraised.

https://flic.kr/s/aHskCWrQ4k

Well - I'd guess an "appraisal" would cost you more than the collection is worth. What you need is advice and an assessment of value. You can get that at a stamp club.

Someone put a great deal of time and effort into that collection; maybe you should pick up the mantle and continue the collection. You've inherited a hobby and a legacy worth much more than the stamps themselves.

Whatever you decide to do, remember new members may not engage in buy/sell activities on SCF.

KirkS

KirkS is correct. That is a beautiful start of a great collection!

Peter

That does look like the start of a nice collection for Canada! If you are not interested, maybe there is someone in your family who might be and that would make a pretty outstanding Christmas gift!

Someone else referred me to this online catalogue/site which may also help you learn more:

http://www.stampworld.com/en/stamps/Canada/

I'm sorry to put a damper on things, but I'm going to assume you have little experience with Canadian philately and you want an honest assessment of the value of the collection. I'd want to know if I inherited something worth worth a hundred bucks, a few thousand, or better..?

Unfortunately, this is what's called a 'casual collection.' The majority of collectors collect for the enjoyment -- as I assume your relative (RIP) did. He/she never pumped large amounts of money to secure the rare gems you see sold at auction.

Since Canada has been my specialty since childhood, I perused your scans. It seems that your pre-Elizabethan stuff is all used, and then there's a switch to mint.

In the former, you have two decent Large Queens, and some pretty Victorial Numerals -- but these were so common that they're quite valueless. Your strongest section is the KGVI period -- good completion, and I spy a Bluenose in there. But the poor centering and messy cancellations again robs these of their value.

Your second (mint, Elizabethan) section is easy to appraise -- the stamps can be used for postage and hence their face value determines their worth. Thus your most valuable page is entitled "CANADA 1977-1985" and features a series of high values. You could get $10 for it on ebay. The whole thing isn't worth more than $100.

I'm sorry if I've disappointed you. People will inherit these hobby collections from relatives, look at the age of the stamps, and see dollar signs. But philately is a great pastime. So if ignites a curiosity that develops into a rewarding hobby for you, then that there is the real value of this acquisition.

Sincerely, N

Yeah. The real value of a "casual collection", as you put it, is the fun collecting it.
Add to it, then pass it on to the next generation.

jmarcille, from Arizona US, welcome to the Forum and hope you have time to continue your Canadian collection which is a "start" - enjoy !

vfstamp - small denomination is not worth face value as it has no postage application. You can't load 17 x 5 cent stamps on a letter. Worth at best 40% face.

Anyone have, and care to share, William Steiner's 2015 "Canadian Goalies" page/s ?
Just a small pic will do, and I can copy.

My Steiner Canadian pages cease at 2014.

I would count up the Face Value of the Unused stamps from 1950 onwards and divide by 2. This is a very rough estimate of the value of the stamps that could still be used for postage. You do have some $1 and $2 stamps in there. Then I would add $100-$150 for all the other stamps from the beginning of the album to 1950. You have a couple of older stamps that have some value even though some are damaged.

This is an auction estimate but I think you could only sell these at a small auction. Larger places may not take it or would charge you alot to sell it.

jmarcille, that is a very nice collection. I hope it creates an interest in collecting. Welcome to the forum.