How to Determine the Value of Old Postage Stamps Articles | Stamps

By: J.Morgan

Finding vintage stamps you like is one thing, but to really be collecting stamps seriously you have to understand how to value stamps. This will help you determine what the stamps you own are worth, what you should pay for other stamps and how to bargain or trade. The value of stamps can be hugely contrasting but the great thing is that you have many resources at your disposal to help. Some of these resources are:

•    Stamp pricing guides which lay out right in front of you the price of different stamps
•    Stamp collecting stores with knowledgeable employees and price lists
•    Stamp collecting experts or respected enthusiasts who have experience
•    The American Philatelic Society which has many tools, tips and guides
•    And the internet, with its huge and endless supply of information.

Stamp pricing guides can do more than just provide a price for a particular stamp. They will also have more information about the stamps in question such as variations or noted reissues and misprints, quantities thought to be available and so on. That way you can find out the price, and find out why it’s priced a certain way and what else to keep an eye out for.

Sometimes the best knowledge is shared knowledge from somebody else who has a good deal of experience in stamp collecting. Finding these experts and well versed and passionate stamp collector’s should not be too difficult. One of the best places to do so will be in those stamp collecting stores. However, stamp collection is often thrown in the mix with card collecting or other hobbies, so be sure to check a variety of places. In this way you will easily be able to track down somebody with the experience and willingness to help you out.

The internet is an endless resource of useful information. You can quickly look up price guides or availabilities for any type of stamp. You can find out about different kinds of stamps from different places or times. Find the misprints, the stamps that are most valuable, and stamps that are being sold fraudulently. Using the internet though you must be somewhat careful, as you never know who created a site and what their legitimacy really is.

The American Philatelic Society or APS is a great place to turn when you need some guidance. Becoming a member isn’t difficult at all and the reward is continuing to know more and more about stamps, their values and the art of stamp collecting while meeting other members near you who share your hobby.

Finding out the value of old postage stamps is like a game of cat and mouse, and it should be fun and rewarding, because for many people, that’s what stamp collecting boils down to.