I would like to sell my stamps, are you buying stamp collections?
We regret that at the present time we are NOT purchasing unsolicited collections. We will update our purchasing status here when that changes. In the meantime, please consult with other dealer members of the American Philatelic Society. Again, we are sorry that we are unable to purchase your collection at this time.
I would like an appraisal of my collection; can you help with that?
An appraisal is a formal and thorough written evaluation of a collection’s value, often an IRS requirement for a donation or some other legal necessity (probate, insurance, etc.). Appraisals are time consuming and costly (expect several hours at $50-$100 per hour plus travel expenses). Most people do not need a true appraisal, even though that is the term they use. It is more likely that you just want to find out what your collection is worth, basically a valuation or informal “appraisal”. We do not offer an appraisal service.
I have a bunch of stamps torn from envelopes in baggies, envelopes, and cigar boxes; are they worth anything?
Generally speaking, stamps on corners cut from envelopes have very minimal value, as most of the stamps on general mail are the most common issues. Often there will be considerable duplication in these accumulations. Loose stamps that have been soaked off of envelopes will have minimal value, as well, often due to condition issues. Stamps lose much of their value if they are damaged in any way, such as being torn, creased, being pulled off of an enveloped, etc. Low-value stamps with these types of condition issues are essentially worthless from a collector’s standpoint.
I used to collect stamps when I was a kid and have them in an album. All of the stamps were soaked off of envelopes my relatives gave me. Do they have any value?
Unfortunately, the short answer is no. Collections built on stamps soaked off of envelopes will have minimal commercial value at the very best. A quick guideline to apply as to whether a collection has value, whether it is your collection or one that you were given or inherited is to ask what is the most money you (or the original collector) paid for a stamp. If you or the original collector never spent more than $50 or more on a single stamp, then it is unlikely the collection has any significant value.
I have a collection and would like to know what it is worth; can you help with that?
At this time, we can only provide a very basic valuation at stamp shows we are attending. We regret that we are unable to travel to value a collection. On occasion we can take a quick look at a collection at one of the Huntsville Philatelic Club meetings. If you are not in the Huntsville area, you may want to visit a stamp club near your location. Most clubs will have some learned members who can give you an idea if you have any material that has significant value.