I have a large collection of stamps that I need to get valued, but I am aware that in some cases, two similar looking stamps can differ greatly in value depending on details that a novice wouldn't notice. If I take them to bee valued, how can I make sure the dealer doesn't replace any valuable stamps with less valuable, but similar ones? Even if I catalogue/digitally photograph the collection (which is substantial), I don't think I'd be able to tell the difference.
2006-07-15 04:14:05 · 7 answers · asked by Jon Cope 2 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
The easiest way is to choose a dealer who is a member of the American Philatelic Society - you can get a list by location at www.stamps.org. That is not a 100% guarantee of integrity, but it means that there have been no well-established complaints against that dealer, as APS has a stringent Code of Ethics and will expell any member, including dealers, who do things like switching stamps. You can also check the listings of the American Stamp Dealers' Association - I don't know the url - if there are no APS dealer members in your area.
You can also inquire at a local stamp club meeting - this info is also available at www.stamps.org - an find a dealer the local club members consider honest.
Be prepared to PAY for an evaluation! Stamp dealers need to eat, pay rent, etc, and they cannot spend hours evaluating your collection without compensation for the time involved. This is very impoprtant - a free evaluation is worth what you pay!
2006-07-18 10:35:43 · answer #1 · answered by Maple 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Photograph your stamps and make sure you have a copy of the days paper with the date on it in the photo. Maybe place the stamps on the paper. That way you can prove when the pictures were taken. Also insist on staying with the valuer when the valuation is being done. Most of all don't trust anyone!
2006-07-15 17:15:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Financing_loans you're rude. So right that's slightly piece of education for you. the main precious merchandise interior the international per weight is the "inverted jenny" stamp plate block worth approximately $6 million. i think a postage stamp weighs approximately .01 of an ounces.. yet to respond to your question, sure. as a results of fact it appears like lots of your stamps are previous and conceivable helpful, i could purchase a "stamp tong" to deal with them.
2016-12-10 07:25:11 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be right there with your collection ask for time to sit with the person while the testing is going on
2006-07-17 04:07:10 · answer #4 · answered by Linnie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a photo of all your stamps and pages
before you have them appraised
2006-07-15 04:55:01 · answer #5 · answered by tracie_344 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way to guarantee it, is to sit beside him as he does his work.
2006-07-15 04:17:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yup, Stand there and watch him.
2006-07-15 04:18:15 · answer #7 · answered by Ricky J. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋