Private Collection Introduction

Hello, I'm a Windows, web, database programmer that has recently inherited a stamp collection.

The collection consists of about 75 binders of various categories such as Germany, Great Britain, Vatican, etc and dozens of boxes, envelopes and bags of additional stamps. I have dedicated a wall in my office to deal with it. The collection consumes 10 feet of wall space 6 feet high on shelves.

I'm in the process of trying to understand what we have so it can be liquidated intelligently and I have contacted a local stamp club leader to help.

I understand that the market determines what top dollar is, not catalogues. And I've learned that some are more valuable as individual sales, some are more valuable as collections, some are valuable only as postage, but I'm surprised by the lack of software available to help work through this.

I'm hopeful this forum will provide the sort of guidance I need without overloading the advisor I have found locally.

If anyone reading this has a strong suggestion about what software is best for this I'd be thankful to know about it.

Welcome
And welcome to the digital wasteland.
The first step is to identify the stamps. There are some online resources which can help with this; I will selfishly mention my site Stamp Smarter. http://www.stampsmarter.com/

The next step is to figure out the values. There are very few online resources which will offer any help with this. Many people filter ebay 'sold' results as a way to understand true market values. But note that many stamps have subtle differences in criteria such as perforations and watermarks.

This forum is also a good tool to seek identification and value advice but many of us would rather support folks who are seeking help with their collecting (as opposed to simply seeking disposition advice).

But if you can post some representative images of the collection(s) there are quite a few folks here which can offer some insight which will be very helpful.
Don

Welcome! It would hours to just review what you have.

It really depends how much time and effort you want to devote to this, and whether you want to sell the collection or keep it in the family.

If you want to sell it, I would suggest using a reputable stamp auction company. Depending where you live there may be one not too far away.

If you want to keep it, well you are in for many years of enjoyment and education.

Dan

Thank you all for your supportive words.

Don, I visited stampsmarter.com. It's a good looking site.

Let's say I'm interested in identifying my collection and cataloging it in a database application - so I can analyze it - because that's what I do ;-) Which of the forums on this site might be best to start a discussion regarding building the ultimate online stamp collectors cataloging and collection management system?

I've got thousands of stamps. Let's say I pick one at random to post. Where would you like me to post it?

Hi Private Collection,
I just responded to the email you sent to Stamp Smarter.
Don

PrivateCollection, welcome to the forum.

Please keep us posted as you discover your collection.

Hi Private Collection, if I might suggest a non computer solution.

Visit your library, fine the (if they have one) Scott catalogue, and read the front part pages, this will give you an idea of what is involved if you plan to keep your collection long term.

Stampmaster

The collection came with Scott's catalogues. We'll consult them and become more educated. Thank you.