My Mother Passed Her Collection Down To Me

Hello all

My mother recently passed down her stamp collection to me.

I'm very new to stamp collecting and don't really know much about them. However, I am keen to learn more.

Below are a few from her collection. Can you please have a look at these and let me know if there's anything of value or interesting here?

Thank you for your time.

The 8c Monkey is valuable- assuming it is not a forgery. In the genuine copies, the monkey's fur has a "fuzzy" feel due how the ink was applied. The forgeries have smooth paper all across the front side of the stamp. Might be worth a visit to a stamp shop or show in your area for an opinion.

Thanks, shermae.

I just double checked the 8c monkey, and it does have a fuzzy texture on the monkey's fur (never noticed this). So hoping it's not a forgery

Here is a close up of the stamp:

I will second shermae's comment about the 8 cent Monkey. FOr several cultural reasons this stamp remains sought after but its peak value has past. Nevertheless still a valuable stamp and it looks in good condition.

The two cancelled US stamps shown are likely not worth much but it is good to check if it is a variety that is uncommon and therefore may have some value (although nothing compared to your Monkey stamp --- again do check it isn't a forgery. If it isn't one, averages several hundred dollars depending on condition unused see this stampworld site which offers a very broad idea of value and is more on the conservative side - https://www.stampworld.com/stamps/C...ps/g1617//).

The other Chinese stamps shown are of Mao and his writings - after 1966 Cultural Revolution and according to stampworld have a nice premium above their face value - you won't get rich but depending on the stamps ranges from $25 to $100 per stamp, again check these for forgeries - https://www.stampworld.com/stamps/C...mps/g1013//)

Judging from what you have shown it seems your mother was a knowledgeable stamp collector so if you have more stamps like the ones from CHina and better US ones, then the whole collector should be reviewed by a reputable, professional dealer. American Philatelic Society is a good site to start your search for a dealer OR a stamp club that could point you to one.