What is the value of my stamps collection?

Question

I have come across a stamp collection belonging to my great great aunt. There are probably about 10,000 stamps in it- alot of which surprisingly are unused still with the gum on the back. These are old old old stamps and I would like to find out what the best way is to find values for these. Is there a good website for this? What do I look for in a stamp to be considered "mint" condition?

Answer 1

Old stamps in mint condition can sometimes be valuable so I would look into it. If the stamps are sorted by country and year, then the best thing is to get hold of a current stamp catalog for the country involved. Maybe you can try a local library if you don't want to purchase one. It will list a price for each stamp in both mint and used condition.

Bear in mind that catalog price is what you would expect to pay if you bought a stamp individually from a dealer, and includes the dealer's overheads and commission. The sale value of a stamp is usually less, and almost nothing for very common stamps.

I don't think you'll find this information on a web site as it tends to be the result of proprietary research.

I think the asda website (www.asdaonline.com) might have some info on valuing inherited collections, and I'm not sure but you might find some info at linns: http://www.linns.com/howto/refresher/rc.asp?uID=

There are services for valuing collections for a fee, but I dont know much about them as I've never had to use them.

As for "mint" condition, the stamp has to be undamaged (no tears or creases), with original gum intact, and nothing (like a stamp hinge) stuck to the back. It's also desirable for the stamp design to be nicely centered for maximum value, but that doesn't affect its mint status.

If the gum is affected in some way, the stamp is referred to as "unused". If has a postmark then of course it's counted as "used".

You might also hear the terms

* MNH (mint never hinged) or MUH (mint unhinged) meaning "mint", i.e., original gum not affected in any way,

* MLH (mint lightly hinged) or MH (mint hinged) which means that the stamp has or has had a hinge attached to it.

Many older unused stamps are in MH condition because stockbooks and hingeless mounts hadn't been invented.

Answer 2

Collection of stamps can be worth good dollars. It depends on the condition of the stamps, what year they were printed, are they used or in mind condition and the authenticity of the stamp also comes into picture. There is market for both mint condition and used stamps. Mint condition stamps are the ones that are not used at all and the gum is still on the stamp with perfect borders and no cancellation, no distorted colors. Used ones are the ones taken off or if they are not in good condition.
Canceled stamps also have a market but the rarity of the stamps comes into picture during such times. Hope it helps.

Answer 3

No idea on price guide websites as I'm not much of a philatelist anymore. A mint condition stamp would be one that is not attached to anything and is not canceled, with all edges sharp and no discoloration.