Are US Stamps Worth Anything? How to Find Out

Determining the value of United States stamps can be complex, as not all old stamps hold significant monetary worth. While many older issues are common, certain rare or unique stamps are highly sought after and command substantial prices. Understanding the factors contributing to a stamp’s value is the first step in assessing a collection. This guide helps identify potentially valuable stamps and understand how to pursue a formal valuation.

Factors Influencing Stamp Value

Several characteristics contribute to a stamp’s monetary worth. Rarity, referring to how few copies exist or were originally printed, is a primary factor. Stamps with lower production numbers or brief issue periods tend to be rarer and thus more valuable.

Condition is another significant determinant. Collectors prefer unused stamps with original, undisturbed gum, known as “mint never-hinged” (MNH). Used stamps are valued based on cancellation clarity and physical integrity. Physical flaws like tears, creases, thinning paper, stains, poor centering, or damaged perforations significantly reduce worth.

While older stamps can be valuable, age alone does not guarantee high worth; many common older stamps are plentiful and hold little value. Printing errors and varieties, however, can significantly increase a stamp’s desirability. These include inverted designs, incorrect colors, missing overprints (additional text or designs applied after initial printing), or unusual paper types. The “Inverted Jenny,” for example, is a famous U.S. stamp error where the airplane appears upside down. Finally, demand among collectors and the overall philatelic market interest for a particular stamp also influence its price.

Initial Assessment of Your Stamps

Proper handling is important to prevent damage that could diminish their value. Always use stamp tongs to pick up stamps, avoiding direct contact with your fingers, as oils and dirt can easily transfer. Perform your inspection on a clean, flat surface to ensure the stamps are not bent or torn.

Visually inspect each stamp for general condition. Look for obvious damage like tears, creases, holes, or thins. For unused stamps, examine the back for gum presence and condition. Used stamps should have clear, legible cancellations that do not heavily obscure the design, as heavy postmarks reduce value.

Attempt to identify basic features such as the denomination, the main design elements, and any visible dates or identifying marks. This initial identification helps narrow down possibilities for further research, even without specialized knowledge. Stamps that are heavily damaged, feature common designs, or are modern definitive issues (standard postage stamps) often indicate lower value, while unusual designs or clear printing anomalies might warrant deeper investigation.

Professional Valuation and Resources

Once you have conducted an initial assessment of your stamps, external resources and expert services can provide a more accurate determination of their value. Philatelic catalogs, such as the Scott Catalogue, are primary resources for identifying stamps and provide “catalog values.” These values generally represent retail prices for stamps in “Very Fine” condition and are often higher than what a seller might receive. You can use a catalog to look up your stamps by design, denomination, or year to find their unique Scott number and associated catalog value.

Online philatelic databases and communities also offer valuable information and can provide informal guidance from experienced collectors. For definitive valuations, especially for potentially valuable stamps, seeking a professional appraisal is advisable. Professional appraisers or reputable stamp dealers can assess your collection’s worth, particularly for insurance, estate planning, or sale purposes. Appraisers typically charge hourly fees, ranging from approximately $50 to $250, with the total cost dependent on the collection’s size and complexity. It is advisable to discuss the appraisal cost and the basis of valuation (e.g., retail or liquidation value) before committing to a formal appraisal.

Selling Your Stamp Collection

After determining the value of your stamps, various avenues exist for selling your collection. Online marketplaces offer broad exposure to potential buyers. General platforms like eBay and Etsy have dedicated sections for stamps, allowing sellers to list items with photographs and detailed descriptions. Specialized philatelic websites, such as StampWorld, Delcampe, HipStamp, and Stamps2Go, cater specifically to stamp enthusiasts, potentially connecting sellers with more targeted buyers. When selling online, accurate descriptions based on your determined identification and condition are important, and clear, high-quality photographs are necessary.

For higher-value collections, consigning stamps to a dedicated auction house might be a suitable option. Auction houses handle the marketing, presentation, and sale of your stamps to a global audience. They typically charge a commission, which can range from 10% to 20% of the hammer price for sellers, though some may have a buyer’s premium (often 10-20%) that can increase the total commission. Payment from auction houses usually takes 30 to 90 days after the sale.

Selling directly to a reputable stamp dealer provides a more immediate transaction. Dealers offer the advantage of a quick sale and their expertise in assessing collections. However, a dealer’s offer might be less than the potential market value, as they purchase for resale and need to account for their overhead and profit margin. Researching and selecting a dealer who is a member of professional philatelic organizations can offer an added layer of confidence. Local philatelic societies and clubs can also serve as venues for selling to fellow collectors, often through informal exchanges or club auctions.