FAQ-How do I sell my stamp collection?

by
Stamp collection
Stamp collection

So you’ve inherited a stamp collection from Uncle Bob and you don’t know what to do with it? How to sell my stamp collection? Well, don’t despair! This article will help you to decide the best way to go about selling the stamps (if you decide you don’t want to become a collector yourself, of course).

 

Sell your stamps to a collector

There are four primary ways of selling a stamp collection. First of all, you can try selling to another collector. However, very few people go this route. Why? Well, because it requires that you have a basic working knowledge of the value of your collection to begin with–if you’ve inherited a collection from a relative, you may have no idea what exactly it is you possess. Also, selling to a collector requires you to have a private collector ready and willing to buy exactly what you have, at that precise moment in time, and for the right price–you may have no idea where to find such a collector.

Sell on internet

Secondly, you could try selling your collection on the internet, for example, on Ebay; once again though, be careful! You really have to know the value of what you have in order to make a successful sale and there are many fraudsters ready to take advantage of an inexperienced stamp seller.

So, what if you have no idea what the value of your collection is? In that case, the most viable options available to you are to either sell your collection to a stamp dealer or through an auction house. Let’s start with a stamp dealer.

Offer your collection to a stamp dealer

A stamp dealer is someone who has a vast knowledge of stamps and who has built up a business in selling stamps to the public on a large scale. A dealer is always looking for ways to build up his inventory and is always ready and willing to deal with the public. However, because a dealer is buying your stamps in order to resell them to other customers, he will never be able to give you top dollar, or the catalogue value of your stamps (to be honest though, NO ONE is ever going to give you catalogue value for common stamps, so you might as well dispel that notion right now). On the plus side though, a dealer is ready to conduct a transaction with you immediately and can pay you immediate cash once a deal has been reached; there is no waiting involved.

Obviously, it is important to find an honest dealer to make sure that he gives you a fair evaluation. To do this, you can do a Google search on the company, or ask the dealer for references. Look for someone who has been in business a long time (for example, Arpin Philately has been conducting business since 1969, over 44 years!). You can also check and see if your dealer is a member of any stamp organizations such as the APS (American Philatelic Society), CSDA (Canadian Stamp Dealers Association) or the RPSC (Royal Philatelic Society of Canada). But the best test of a good stamp dealer is longevity in business, vast experience, and happy customers!

Stamp dealers are easy to find

Stamp dealers are easy to find in your local phone book or buy searching on the internet and there is usually one close to you. In some cases, depending on your collection and how interested the dealer is, he may even travel to you to give you an evaluation. I would say that the best argument for going to a stamp dealer is this: a stamp dealer accepts diverse content. In other words, a dealer is not just looking for rare stamps. He also wants modern stuff and is willing to buy multiples of a popular item. These items are not usually worth as much, but if you have a large collection, with a lot of what the dealer is looking for, he will be willing to buy.

So, you found an honest dealer who has given you a realistic evaluation of your collection and…..it is no where near what you were hoping for–what now? People are often disappointed to find out that the stamp collection that Uncle Bob spent 50 years building up is not worth much. But remember one thing: no matter what you get, it’s money you didn’t have before!

Find reputable stamp auction house

The other option is to sell your collection through an auction house. Once again you can do a Google search to find the address of a reputable stamp auction house. Or, you can check the advertisement pages in the front of your Unitrade Specialized Catalogue of Canadian Stamps, where several auction houses are listed. What is the advantage of an auction house?

The biggest advantage is this: you most likely will get top dollar for your stamp(s) since you will have access to a larger buying audience. However, there obviously has to be a demand for what you have to offer. One major disadvantage with an auction house is this: many of them are looking for valuable, rare stamps. So, if it isn’t worth their time to sell what you have, they may turn you away. Auction houses don’t usually take in the common, modern stamps that many hobby collectors buy. They are looking for specialized content that will appeal to serious philatelists and collectors with the money to spend hundreds, thousands, if not hundreds of thousands. But, if this is what you have to offer, they will be more than happy to help you out.

Be patient waiting for your money

With an auction house you may have to wait for your money. Depending on when the next auction is scheduled, you could wait a few months to see any money at all, even if your stamps sell. One reputable auction house only pays you 45 days after the end of the auction.

Some things to note about auction house procedure: Some auction houses charge the buyer a commission on their purchase. Most traditional auction houses charge the consignor (you), a consignment fee (this is how they make their money after all). The consignment fee usually represents 20% of the hammer price, which includes a $25 «lot fee» if your lot sells (which is non-refundable even if your lot doesn’t sell). In other words, if your lot sells for $100, you will receive an amount of $75 = $100 hammer price – $20 (20% consignment) – $5 (the balance of the lot fee). If your lot doesn’t sell, you owe them $25 and they give you your stamps back. Also, if your stamps are valuable, you may have to pay to insure them.

So, in conclusion, it all depends on what you have. And, like any collectible, what you get also depends on buyer demand. Hopefully these few suggestions will get you on your way!

Stamp dealer vs Auction house
Stamp dealer vs Auction house

204 thoughts on “FAQ-How do I sell my stamp collection?”

  2. Inherited truimph stamp album with lots of stamps from all over the world as far back as 100 or more years. I need help to evaluate – no idea where to start. Am in southern africa.

    Reply

      • Hi there I got a huge collection of used postage stamps from European Union and us and postage cards with postage stamps affixed on them from Mauritius -I have been collecting postage stamps since childhood -most of them I bought and some I inherited from my uncle who was in navy-please advice me how to proceed further -regards

        Reply

  3. I have a bunch of stamps from all over i am interrested in selling them i live in albuquerque new mexico if there is any one interrested please let me know. I have whole books of stamps never been opened and i also have single stamps used and unused.

    Reply

      • Hi there I got a huge collection of used postage stamps from European Union and us and postage cards with postage stamps affixed on them from Mauritius -I have been collecting postage stamps since childhood -most of them I bought and some I inherited from my uncle who was in navy-please advice me how to proceed further -regards

        Reply

  4. I have a bunch of stamps from all over I am interrested in selling them, I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. If you are interrested please let me know. I have booklets that have never been opened like from the olimpics,foreign. I have single stamps that have been used and that are not used mint condition. Let me know and if there is someone out there that can help me know what they are worth I would appriciate it

    Reply

      • Hi there I got a huge collection of used postage stamps from European Union and us and postage cards with postage stamps affixed on them from Mauritius -I have been collecting postage stamps since childhood -most of them I bought and some I inherited from my uncle who was in navy-please advice me how to proceed further -regards

        Reply

  7. Good day, I have in my collection the following..
    1868 6 cent mint, it has small remains of hinge but most of the adhesive
    intact,very clean , no perf breaks or creases, would appreciate your comments and if you would be interested in buying same.
    Yours sincerely,
    Derek Maynard.
    I am an English national living in retirement in South Africa.

    Reply

  8. Greetings Lisa, I found your article very informative;FAQ-How do I sell my stamp collection?
    Maybe, I will be offering Arpin my old stamp collection to buy or sell.
    Best Regards
    Jammy
    South Africa

    Reply

  12. My name is Heather i have 2 books of stamps plus loose stamps and tons of envelopes of stamps Some are from the 1800’s many from the 1900’s i have stamps almost from every state some pages full i know my collection is very valuable please email me if interested. [email protected]

    Reply

  14. I have good collection of stamps mainly old stamps covering more than 100 countries Mainly old and majority are unhinged,some mint stamps and thematic stamps.It is felt that a good number are rare stampsI want to sell them.If any one is inerested ti buy them I can send a [email protected]

    Reply

  15. I have no comments to offer at present.I am from Bangalore,India and have a collection of mainly old stamps, covering more than 120 countries,mint stamps and thematic stamps. I wish to sell them.Any one interested may kindly mail me [email protected]

    Reply

  17. Good day im staying in pretoria i have a large collection of stamps from all over dating back more than 100 years and an original slammer album complete with pogs overseas slammers so on please contact me if interested thank you [email protected]

    Reply

  22. Hello. I Elif. From turkey, I am. Very valuable stamps, I have. From the world and turkey. It is outside of the 19th century, the Ottoman empire’, and what I have two stamps. In total, the number of my stamps of 750. 343 one of the stamps of the Republic of Turkey. Dates 1939-1980. The remaining my stamps many countries of the world. The United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy,Japan, Israel, Pakistan, Hungary,Malta, Poland, Oman, Malaysia,Mauritania, Congo, Mozambique, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Lebanon, Libya, Algeria, East Germany, Cuba,Peru, Spain, Greece, these countries belong to my stamps.. I can send a photos

    Reply

  23. i have huge collection of indian stamps and first day covers which i want to sell.
    Please contact me on 09811436936.

    Reply

  25. i’ve got a stamp collection, i enherrited it from my grandmother. the collection consist of many stamps from Norway, Swaziland, Canada, Israel, Cyprus, Zambia, Malawi, Espana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Deutche, Pakistan, Egypte, Portugal, Jersey, Italy, Rhodesia, Brasil, Belgium, Australia, Venezuela, Netherland and then there is a HUGE collection of South African stamps, some dating back to early 1900s and also a HUGE collection from Kenya. Please feel free to contact me [email protected].

    Reply

      • Hi there I got a huge collection of used postage stamps from European Union and us and postage cards with postage stamps affixed on them from Mauritius -I have been collecting postage stamps since childhood -most of them I bought and some I inherited from my uncle who was in navy-please advice me how to proceed further -regards

        Reply

  26. Actually ,I have been collecting stamps since childhood, had great craze for it,but somehow i’ve lost interest and want to sell them off.There are a variety of stamps.

    Reply

  28. Hi i m vinita n i want to sell my stamps collection from all over world. any one interested ? Pl. contact seevinita @ yahoo.co.in

    Reply

  29. I have a bunch of stamps from all over I am interested in selling them, I live in Nairobi Kenya. If you are interested please let me know. I have first day covers issued by the Postal Corporation of Kenya. I have single stamps that have been used and that are not used mint condition. Let me know and if there is someone out there that can help me know what they are worth I would appreciate it. Raja Sarkar [email protected]

    Reply

      • Hi there I got a huge collection of used postage stamps from European Union and us and postage cards with postage stamps affixed on them from Mauritius -I have been collecting postage stamps since childhood -most of them I bought and some I inherited from my uncle who was in navy-please advice me how to proceed further -regards

        Reply

  34. I have a stamp collection around three thousand stamp from all over would like to sell,I am presently located in delhi.My telephone no is 9873026422 rahul

    Reply

  35. I have a bunch of stamps from all over I am interested in selling them, I live in Chandigarh,India.If you are interrested please let me know. I have booklets which contain aroung 1000-1500 stamps of different countires,Persons ,animals,commonwealth games. Let me know and if there is someone out there that can help me know what they are worth I would appreciate it.. I would like to sell them.
    Contact No.9888555095

    Reply

  36. I have a good collection of stamps from 1865 till 2014 .world collection.both mint and used.nearly 20000 to 35000 stamps altogether.I would like to sell it.there are nearly 20 albums in all.if any one interested contact me 9946333147-mahesh

    Reply

      • Dear Sir/Madam- I am a keen collector of stamps since many years plus I inherited quite a number of postage stamps from my deceased uncle (he died in early 80’s)-I would like to sell my collection at the earliest. I have been collecting stamps as a hobby; I got stamps all over the world since I had lived abroad twice. I am a self employed person based in new Delhi-India. Please advise me how to proceed further regarding this?? I have inherited them and now want to dispose them off. The collection seems to be interesting and worthy to be sold but having no knowledge about stamps. Can anyone help me or guide me please? Regards SHARMA BINU

        Reply

  37. i have sold and recommened Wall Street Collectibles in Manhatten NY and used a Broker named Saul Meyer to sell my colection, i have no problem vouching for this company 1-800-224-5942 office and Saul Meyer 917-829-7571

    Reply

  42. I have some rare stamp collection like i’ve seen in the net. want to sell them. I live in Bangladesh. How do i sell them or whom do i contact.

    Reply

  45. Hi,
    stamps & coins of many countries, some very old , collected in the early 1990s . I Wish to sell the entire collection, I am based out of Mangalore,Karnataka,India
    I can e contacted at [email protected]
    Regards
    Kaushik

    Reply

          • Dear Sir/Madam- I am a keen collector of stamps since many years plus I inherited quite a number of postage stamps from my deceased uncle (he died in early 80’s)-I would like to sell my collection at the earliest. I have been collecting stamps as a hobby; I got stamps all over the world since I had lived abroad twice. I am a self employed person based in new Delhi-India. Please advise me how to proceed further regarding this?? I have inherited them and now want to dispose them off. The collection seems to be interesting and worthy to be sold but having no knowledge about stamps. Can anyone help me or guide me please? Regards SHARMA BINU

    • Dear Sir/Madam- I am a keen collector of stamps since many years plus I inherited quite a number of postage stamps from my deceased uncle (he died in early 80’s)-I would like to sell my collection at the earliest. I have been collecting stamps as a hobby; I got stamps all over the world since I had lived abroad twice. I am a self employed person based in new Delhi-India. Please advise me how to proceed further regarding this?? I have inherited them and now want to dispose them off. The collection seems to be interesting and worthy to be sold but having no knowledge about stamps. Can anyone help me or guide me please? Regards SHARMA BINU

      Reply

  47. Hey 🙂
    I’m interested in selling my stamp collection of Israel from the years 1960-2000,
    they are as new, untouched and in a best preservative conditions.
    I also have a stamp collection of Argentina in the same conditions.
    Feel free to contact me.

    Reply

  48. hello everybody i have Indian Miniatures sheets ,Year packs and Full sheets anybody interested please contact
    Rajkumar
    9444266210
    9092270952

    Reply

  49. I have a huge stamp collection of over 2 lakh stamps , many of them handed over by my maternal grandfather and father to me both of whom were philatelists ! This collection has over 2000 odd FDC’s including from pre- Indian Independence . Also many mint stamps in good condition …..anyone from Mumbai interested pls mail with complete details on [email protected]

    Reply

  52. I have stamps from France .. 1849 and up . Scott’s album value worth about $ 200 000 and selling them for 50% of Scotts value or best offer , some are on sale on stanlygibbson under francestamps .. 30 day money back if not happyj

    Reply

  53. I Myron from South Africa. I have England stamps (1D,1p,4D,8P,50P,75P) Germany, Austria, Hungary, Nederland,Magyar, Canada,Rumania, USA (1c, 2c, 5c, 13c and 15c) RSA (1C, 1 ½c, 4c)

    Reply

    • Hi
      I m interested in selling my stamp collections. I many countries old stamps , if you are interested please let me know. My email I’d is vasudha.chitlangia @gmail.com

      Reply

    • Dear Sir/Madam- I am a keen collector of stamps since many years plus I inherited quite a number of postage stamps from my deceased uncle (he died in early 80’s)-I would like to sell my collection at the earliest. I have been collecting stamps as a hobby; I got stamps all over the world since I had lived abroad twice. I am a self employed person based in new Delhi-India. Please advise me how to proceed further regarding this?? I have inherited them and now want to dispose them off. The collection seems to be interesting and worthy to be sold but having no knowledge about stamps. Can anyone help me or guide me please? Regards SHARMA BINU

      Reply

    • Hi! I have a collection of Indian per & post independence Mint & Used Stamps, FDC & also old other country used stamps. I want to sale. If interested please contact me on email: [email protected] , # 8961874355.

      Reply

  55. Hi I am interested in selling my stamp collection and first day cover collection I have a variety of stamps from early English to present day mint and used and a nice mint set of princess Diana of wales

    Reply

  56. Hi i am Manish Sarswat, I am interested in selling my stamp collection and first day cover collection, I have England,Germany, Austria, Hungary, Nederland,Magyar, Canada,Rumania,USA,RSA more the 50 country stamsps collection.I have a huge stamp collection of over 3.5 lakh stamps.interested buyer welcome to contact me—–[email protected].

    Reply

  59. want to sell my canadian stamps from 1977-1986 mint single vfnh, plate blocks vfnh, used singles vf(some were mint cancelled at post office, gum still on .

    Reply

  61. Hi,
    I am Gopal Prasada from Uttar Pradesh, India. I have a Book of Stamps which consists stamps of various countries, its name is “Greatest Stamps in the Worlds.” which says that it has Rare of the Rarest stamps in it. Interested buyer may contact me through my email id: [email protected]

    Reply

  62. Hi,
    I am Gopal Prasada from Uttar Pradesh, India. I have a Book of Stamps which consists stamps of various countries, its name is “Greatest Stamps in the Worlds.” which says that it has Rare of the Rarest stamps in it. These stamps are of 18th and 19th century and are 1087 in numbers. It has stamps of the Countries which are not even there anymore or their names are changed. Interested buyer may contact me through my email id: [email protected]

    Reply

  64. Hi there…..I have stamps which are extremely rare and old ones….but each and every stamp in excellent condition. This has been inherited plus I have added many since past 2 decades. Putting it to the market for sale first time….let’s see who gets lucky with them first cum first basis. Based out of Mumbai, India.

    Am looking for some serious buyers of them….Plan to sell them all..r.collection is over 500+ stamps.

    Contact me : [email protected] / WhatsApp no. 9029001684

    Hv a Nice Day!!! Keep Collecting….Keep the Flame Alive

    Reply

  66. Dear Sir/Madam- I am a keen collector of stamps since many years plus I inherited quite a number of postage stamps from my deceased uncle (he died in early 80’s)-I would like to sell my collection at the earliest. I have been collecting stamps as a hobby; I got stamps all over the world since I had lived abroad twice. I am a self employed person based in new Delhi-India. Please advise me how to proceed further regarding this?? I have inherited them and now want to dispose them off. The collection seems to be interesting and worthy to be sold but having no knowledge about stamps. Can anyone help me or guide me please? Regards SHARMA BINU —- [email protected]

    Reply

  68. I have a huge collection of Indian stamps pre and post independence. I also have First day covers,
    Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding FDC and stamps. I am in Bangalore. My email is [email protected]. I want to sell. Interested pls contact me with your requirements.

    Reply

  70. I have a huge collection of national and international stamps and also a huge collection of Indian FDCs. Those interested can contact me by email [email protected] or call on 9914617775
    Aditya Gupta

    Reply

  71. I have a large collection of national and international stamps and large collection of Indian FDCS which I am interested in selling my email id is [email protected] and Whatsapp no is 9914617775 Aditya Gupta

    Reply

  72. I have old stamp collection is for sale countries like india, pakistan, australia, japan, france, usa, canada, austria, iraq, egypt etc interested person can contacy by email- rizwanazizshaikh@gmail com

    Reply

  74. I have 16 books of Israeli stamps 1948-2005+. Collected by my father and grandfather in Israel and the US. NEED TO SELL. will send pictures of any year you’d like to see, or a specific stamp or cover or first edition. 602-448-1414 [email protected]

    Reply

  75. Hii… I have old stamp collection pf almost all the countries and old coins and medals as well… Those who are interested can contact on 9810632952

    Reply

  77. Hi, I have a book of Japanese stamps including pictorial Dove Date-Mark 1976-1978. It was given to my grandfather & he gave it to me before his sunset. This book is a treasure to me but I need to sell it pay for my house credits. It shows stamps with each name and history. Anybody interested please email me at [email protected]

    Reply

  80. Hi. I am a stamp collector since 1972. (age 8). I want to sell my stamp collection I have 25 albums., a lot of countries, including China, Hong-Kong, Macau, Japan etc… Please, contact me on my Gmail address. I also have a Facebook page. (Just type the name). Forgive the bad scanning, for I am physically handicapped since age 5. Thank you, David Barban

    Reply

  84. Hello everyone who are interested to buying oldest stamps of different countries.I have collected to 22 countries stamps and any body interested to buy please freely contact my email address [email protected].
    Thank you.

    Reply

  89. I have lot of different stamps of different countries mint stamps miniature sheets thematic stamps flowers animals and orchids any one interested contact me
    madirajul@ gmail.com

    Reply

  91. I have a considerable number of stamps of different countries, two albums looking for one who can give a fair reasonable price ..I am wishing to sell them.stamps are related to different subjects and themes,earlier to 1970s and Pre/ post independence. No.8618954093

    Reply

  92. I have huge quantity of Postage Stamps of INDIA for Sale. Any Interested person ( Stamp Collector) may contact with me .
    Email ID. : [email protected]
    My Whatsapp No. 09073377703
    My Cont. No. 09073377703 ( 11.00 AM To 06.00 PM Only)

    Reply

  95. I have lots of stamps and frontcovers as well which are very very old to till date
    Amd now i want yo put in sale.indian,USA,RUSSIAN syamps etc.can anybody pls help me ouyt for all these?
    I m staying in huderabad

    Reply

  98. Hello
    I am in Ahmedabad and I have a vast collection of stamps and FDC of years 1954-1965 which I would like to sell . All stamps and FDCs are in very good condition. If interested please contact me on [email protected]

    Reply

  101. Hi, I myself have had good luck with donating a stamp collection to charity. It’s a good way to get the value of the stamps by receiving a tax deduction. I also felt good about the donation because it went to help others in need. I did a lot of research and decided on https://www.collectibleswithcauses.org. Their website was easy to use and they are an IRS 501(c)3 non profit organization.

    Reply

  102. Hi I have a rare book of old United States stamps there are confederate stamps the years go back to 1843 if ur intersted plz contact me

    Reply

    • I have a large collection of Israeli stemps that are very old. I would like to find their value and possibly a buyer. Let me know if anyone is looking for those rare stemps.

      Reply

  103. I have rare stamp collection in this collection my rare was Buddha Jayanthi Mahaveer Jayanthi 2500 years if anyone interested make me call..uttam 8608429095 chennai

    Reply

  105. I have a very rare first day cover wich is only one in the world.first day cover of dr Sarvapalli radhakrishnan who was second president of india and her signature is on the first day cover.
    My contact no is 9919911116
    Buyer can contact

    Reply

  106. I have antique stamps collected 70 years back by my grandfather.

    I am based in Nerul, Navi Mumbai.

    Interested parties may please contact me on 9820037600

    Reply

  109. Are there any stamp collectors in Louisianna that would buy my stamp collection. There are many, some in books and some loose. I started collecting about 50 years ago and also inherited some from former patients. I wish to sell them now as they have been in the attic for many years.
    [email protected]

    Reply

  110. Hello,
    I have large stamp collection, FDC and coins. Interested persons may contact. I am at Delhi. Contact No 9810792622. Thx.

    Reply

  112. Jagannathan

    Namasthe.
    I have a considerable collection of “First Day Covers” which is my Father’s personal collection. I have inherited it and I wish to Sell it en-block. But I do not have an idea of its current market value. I look forward to someone who could give a genuine value. There are some rare FDC’s such as 4 Presidents of India Cancellation in a ‘Single’ FDC and many top personalities in one FDC etc.,. I have also an American Cancellation of “Mahatma Gandhi” and “George Washington”. All FDC’S are from 1955 to 1975 period and unaddressed. Several with multiple cancellations.

    If anybody could guide me as to how I could sell this lot, I would be thankfull.
    My number is 9899919900 and the material is in New Delhi Dwarka.

    Regards,

    Jagannathan

    Reply

  116. I HAVE GOT A HUGE COLLECTIONS OF STAMPS OF INDIA AND DIFFERENT COUNTRIES FROM 18TH AND 19TH CENTURY INTRESTED BUYER PLEASE DO CONTACT ME ON 8171733694 OR WHATSAAP ME ON 9837066383

    Reply

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.