Why Use West Coast For Your Stamp Appraisal?
- FREE Certified Stamp Collection Appraisals Online
- Receive A Cash Offer For Your Stamp Collection
- We’ll Pay To Ship Your Stamp Collection To Us, Or We Can Travel To You
Get Your Free Stamp Collection Appraisal
Or fill out the online form below to see how much your stamps are worth.
THE HIGHEST VALUES
We provide the most accurate current market values for both retail and wholesale pricing. Our market data comes from recent prices realized at the international level for both online and offline sales.
WE PAY THE MOST
We pay up to 50% more than the larger dealers because we are a smaller and have less overhead. Get paid the same day via bank wire transfer.
WE MAKE IT EASY
We have purchased stamp collections from all over the country. We’ll pay to ship your collection to us for appraisal. Or we can travel to your place of residency.
100% SECURE
All stamp collections in transit to and from us are fully insured through our private insurance policy with Lloyds Of London*.
Customer Reviews
Real reviews from real people. See what our customers are saying us.
Read more of our reviews | Have Questions?
The world of philately, or stamp collecting, has fascinated collectors for centuries. Whether inherited, accumulated over decades, or purchased in bulk, a stamp collection represents not only a personal journey but also a potential financial asset. To understand the true worth of a collection, a stamp collection appraisal is essential. This process helps collectors uncover the value of their holdings, guiding decisions about selling, insuring, donating, or preserving a collection for future generations.
What Is a Stamp Collection Appraisal?
A stamp collection appraisal is the process of professionally assessing the value of a stamp or an entire collection. This evaluation considers factors such as rarity, condition, historical importance, demand, and market trends. The outcome is typically a written or verbal report detailing the estimated market or replacement value of the items.
Professional appraisers may be independent or affiliated with philatelic societies, auction houses, or specialized dealers. Collectors seek appraisals for various reasons, including estate planning, insurance coverage, sales preparation, or simply personal curiosity.
Reasons to Get a Stamp Collection Appraisal
Collectors pursue appraisals for several key reasons:
- Insurance Coverage: Insurance companies usually require a formal appraisal to issue a policy that covers a stamp collection against loss, theft, or damage.
- Selling a Collection: Whether selling through private sale, auction, or a dealer, knowing the fair market value ensures that sellers receive appropriate compensation.
- Estate Planning and Inheritance: Heirs often need to understand the value of an inherited collection to distribute assets fairly or decide whether to keep, sell, or donate.
- Charitable Donations: Donations of valuable collections to museums, libraries, or philatelic societies typically require appraisals for tax deduction purposes.
- Personal Knowledge: Some collectors simply wish to understand the monetary value of their lifelong passion.
How Appraisers Determine Value
Appraisers evaluate several characteristics when determining the value of a stamp collection:
1. Condition
Condition is one of the most critical factors in valuation. Stamps are assessed on centering, gum condition (for unused stamps), perforations, color freshness, cancellations (for used stamps), and absence of faults such as tears, thins, or creases.
Grading scales, such as those used by the Philatelic Foundation or Professional Stamp Experts (PSE), categorize stamps as superb, very fine, fine, average, or below average. Higher grades command higher values.
2. Rarity
Rarity refers to how scarce a stamp is in the philatelic marketplace. This scarcity may result from low print runs, limited geographic distribution, or survival rates over time. Stamps that were withdrawn shortly after issuance or have production errors can be especially rare and valuable.
3. Demand
Even a rare stamp may have limited value if there is no collector demand. Popular themes, countries, or time periods tend to command higher prices. For instance, classic U.S. stamps, British Commonwealth issues, and zeppelin covers are typically in strong demand.
4. Completeness
A complete set often holds more value than individual scattered items. Collections that showcase a complete series or thematic grouping are frequently appraised at higher levels.
5. Provenance
Provenance, or the history of ownership, can increase a collection’s prestige and value. Collections previously owned by renowned collectors or those with an established exhibition history may bring a premium.
6. Authentication and Certification
Certificates of authenticity from recognized philatelic experts or organizations add credibility to a collection and can significantly increase appraised value, particularly for rare or controversial items.
Finding a Qualified Stamp Appraiser
Choosing a qualified appraiser is crucial for an accurate and reliable evaluation. Look for individuals or firms with established reputations, credentials, and memberships in reputable philatelic organizations. Reputable organizations include:
- American Philatelic Society (APS)
- American Stamp Dealers Association (ASDA)
- Royal Philatelic Society London (RPSL)
- Philatelic Foundation (PF)
Collectors should inquire about the appraiser’s fee structure. Appraisers typically charge by the hour, per item, or as a flat fee. Ethical appraisers avoid basing fees on a percentage of the collection’s value, as this can create conflicts of interest.
Preparing a Collection for Appraisal
Proper preparation ensures a smooth appraisal process and can enhance the appraiser’s ability to assess the collection accurately.
Organize the collection: Arrange stamps logically by country, era, or topic. Place stamps in albums, stock books, or on approval cards. Loose stamps can be stored in glassine envelopes or protective sleeves.
Provide documentation: Include previous appraisals, purchase receipts, certificates, auction catalogs, or correspondence related to key items in the collection.
Identify key pieces: Flag rare or noteworthy items, but do not attempt repairs or cleaning. Amateur restoration can decrease value.
Inventory the collection: While not always required, an inventory list detailing countries, years, and notable items can be helpful.
Appraisal Methods
Appraisers may employ various methods depending on the purpose of the appraisal and the nature of the collection:
- Fair Market Value Appraisal: Reflects the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in the open market. This is the most common type, useful for sales, estate planning, or insurance.
- Replacement Value Appraisal: Estimates the cost to replace the collection with similar items, typically used for insurance purposes.
- Liquidation Value Appraisal: Reflects the price achievable in a quick-sale scenario, often relevant in divorce settlements or bankruptcy proceedings.
The appraiser may physically inspect the collection or, in some cases, conduct a virtual review using high-resolution photographs and documentation. However, physical inspection is usually preferred for high-value items.
Common Challenges in Stamp Collection Appraisal
Appraisers and collectors may encounter several challenges during the valuation process.
Identifying forgeries and reprints: Some stamps are frequently forged or reprinted, making expert authentication essential.
Condition discrepancies: Stamps stored in improper conditions (e.g., high humidity or sunlight) may deteriorate, reducing their value significantly.
Market fluctuations: Stamp market values can fluctuate based on collector interest, economic conditions, and changing tastes. Appraisals reflect market conditions at the time of evaluation.
Mixed-quality collections: Many collections contain a mix of common and rare items. Appraisers must carefully separate valuable material from bulk or low-value content.
Where to Get a Stamp Collection Appraised
Collectors have several options for obtaining a stamp collection appraisal:
- Professional Appraisers: Independent appraisers or philatelic consultants offer private appraisals, often by appointment.
- Stamp Dealers: Many dealers provide informal evaluations, but collectors should be cautious when seeking appraisals from dealers who may have an interest in purchasing the collection.
- Philatelic Societies and Clubs: Local or national philatelic organizations may offer appraisal services or recommend qualified experts.
- Auction Houses: Specialized philatelic auction houses can appraise collections for potential sale, often without charge if consigning to auction.
- Online Appraisal Services: Some platforms offer virtual appraisals based on photographs and descriptions, though these are typically less precise than in-person evaluations.
Cost of a Stamp Collection Appraisal
The cost of an appraisal depends on factors such as the size of the collection, the appraiser’s fee structure, and the time required for evaluation. Small or moderately sized collections may be appraised for a few hundred dollars, while large, complex holdings can cost several thousand dollars to assess.
Some appraisers offer preliminary assessments or verbal opinions at a lower cost. Formal written appraisals, required for legal or insurance purposes, generally carry higher fees.
Tips for Maximizing Appraisal Value
While collectors cannot control intrinsic market factors, they can take steps to preserve and present their collections in the best possible light:
- Store properly: Use archival-quality albums, pages, and mounts. Avoid tape, glue, or other non-archival materials.
- Maintain documentation: Keep receipts, certificates, and historical correspondence with the collection.
- Avoid overhandling: Excessive handling can cause damage. Use stamp tongs and keep stamps free from oils or moisture.
- Update appraisals periodically: Regular reappraisals, especially when market conditions change, ensure the collection’s value is accurately recorded.
What Happens After an Appraisal?
Once the stamp collection appraisal is complete, collectors receive a report detailing the estimated value of the collection. This document serves as a reference point for insurance policies, estate planning, sales negotiations, or charitable donations.
Collectors planning to sell should research potential sale venues, such as public auctions, private treaty sales, dealer sales, or online platforms. It is advisable to compare offers and consult with experts before finalizing any transaction.
For those seeking insurance coverage, the appraisal report should be submitted to the insurance company to secure a policy tailored to the collection’s value and specific risks.
In cases of charitable donations, appraisers should comply with IRS requirements, particularly for donations valued above specific thresholds. Proper documentation ensures compliance with tax regulations and maximizes available deductions.