Anyone have knowledge of stamps?

[TJCloutier]

I have a Minkus Publications stamp set of binders. Looks pretty old. Some books are filled, 500 pages or so with all the stamps in the right spots. I'm not looking to sell these but looking to get them appraised/do it myself just for value. Does anyone know where I could do this? I looked around a bit online but couldn't find much.

 

[Mark Wing]

I have a little bit of knowledge, but not much...

Assuming you are looking at US stamps...
1) If the stamps are from the 1930s or older, it is possible you may have something rare and valuable. Collectors of rare stamps are interested in both rare variations and rare postmarks, so it can be difficult to know if you have something without the correct knowledge.
2) Used stamps not in category 1 have little to no monetary value.
3) Unused stamps are worth face value and not much more. You would be better off using them for postage than trying to sell them.

Mark

 

[TJCloutier]

I have a little bit of knowledge, but not much...

Assuming you are looking at US stamps...
1) If the stamps are from the 1930s or older, it is possible you may have something rare and valuable. Collectors of rare stamps are interested in both rare variations and rare postmarks, so it can be difficult to know if you have something without the correct knowledge.
2) Used stamps not in category 1 have little to no monetary value.
3) Unused stamps are worth face value and not much more. You would be better off using them for postage than trying to sell them.

Mark

I have binders that are like 20 years old with 500 pages of stamps. Unused I believe. I have first day covers from the 1950's and I wouldn't say their worthless as my Father paid 20$ for some I know, and more for others. I was just talking about the older ones.

 

[Mark Wing]

First day issues may have some value.

Unfortunately, stamp collecting is a dieing hobby. Lots of people have left the hobby and not very many have joined. Lots of supply and very limited demand means low monetary value.

Mark

 

[TJCloutier]

Yeah, though over time they can only go up. Considering the economy is ok.

 

[timfsu2k]

Yeah, though over time they can only go up. Considering the economy is ok.

Just like baseball cards, right?

 

[TJCloutier]

Just like baseball cards, right?

I wouldn't say just like them, no. some sets always retain the same value.

 

[Mark Wing]

Yeah, though over time they can only go up. Considering the economy is ok.

I would argue that they go down in value. In 1984, a 22 cent stamp would allow you to mail a letter. 25 years later, you need two 22 cent stamps to mail the same letter. That is a 50% reduction in value over 25 years. It is going to be slightly worse every time there is an increase in the postage rates.

Mark