Where to Sell Old Stamps? [Selling Your Stamps in 2024]

For those who have nurtured a passion for stamp collecting, whether as a hobbyist or a seasoned collector, knowing where to sell old stamps can turn your cherished collection into a rewarding investment. If you’re sitting on a trove of old stamps and pondering, Where can I sell my old stamps for the best value? then consider Sotheby’s as a premier destination. Recognized as a top resource, Sotheby’s specializes in auctioning rare stamps, offering an unparalleled platform for those looking to sell high-value items.

The digital age has opened up numerous avenues for selling stamps for cash, catering to various types of stamp collections. Whether you possess timeless rarities or a collection of forever stamps, understanding how to sell stamps online can significantly broaden your selling options. Platforms range from online auction houses to specialized stamp-selling websites, each offering unique benefits.

In this article, we’ll explore various methods to monetize your stamp collection. From utilizing esteemed auction houses like Sotheby’s for rare pieces to navigating the realms of eBay for more common stamps, you’ll learn about the best places and practices for selling your stamps. We’ll delve into everything from how to sell stamps online effectively to traditional methods like engaging with stamp dealers and participating in stamp fairs.

As we unfold the layers of this topic, you’ll gain insights into maximizing the returns on your collection, be it selling forever stamps or rare finds. The journey from a collector to a successful seller can be both exciting and profitable, and this guide aims to equip you with all the knowledge you need to make informed decisions in the stamp-selling market.

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How Do I Know If My Stamps Are Valuable?

Some used and old stamps might be very valuable. On the other hand, ordinary-looking things may also be expensive. This is why it is good to know the value of the stamps. To determine the values of the stamps, follow the following steps:

• First of all, identify the stamp.
• After that, find out when the stamp was issued. Calculate the age of the stamp and know the material used in the stamp.
• After knowing the age of the stamp, determine the centering of the design.
• Next, check the gum on the stamp.
• After that, determine the condition of the perforations.
• Check if the stamp has been canceled or not.
• Lastly, find out the stamp’s rarity.

Moreover, you can also know the value of the stamp through the internet. There are different websites where you can find the value of individual stamps or stamp collections. Such a type of website is Stampworld.com, where you can quickly and easily find the stamp’s value.

Best Places to Sell Old Stamps

There are many places where you can go and sell your old stamps. However, in this section, I’ll explain some places that you may find near you. Here is a list of the places for selling stamps:

• Sell Unused Stamps
• Apfelbaum, Inc.
• Miller’s Stamp Company
• A Collector
• Mystic Stamp Company
• A Dealer
• On Consignment
• A Stamp Show
• An Auction House
• An Online Auction

Continue reading for more in-depth details of the places where you can sell your stamps.

1. Sell Unused Stamps

If you have old stamps, don’t waste them, sell them instead. You can sell your forever stamps or other unused stamps to Sell Unused Stamps. The good thing about the company is that it offers many different payment options, including checks, bank wire transfers, and PayPal.

2. Apfelbaum, Inc.

Apfelbaum, Inc. is another place where you can sell your unused stamps. The company has been selling and buying stamps since 1910. The good thing about the company is that they give immediate cash payments as well as ship your stamps for free.

3. Miller’s Stamp Company

The company has been purchasing stamps since 1930. Miller’s Stamp Company is a legitimate place to sell stamps because the company is a member of the American Philatelic Association (APS), American Stamp Dealers Association (ASDA), and many other organizations.

The company offers two options for buying stamps. You can either send your unused stamps to the company or you can meet them to sell stamps.

4. A Collector

If you know the stamp collector directly, or you may find him directly, it is the best way to sell stamps as it may save you a lot of time. The stamp collector also gives you the highest sale price for your collected stamps. However, be sure to find out the price of your stamps so that you can communicate successfully with the collector.

5. Mystic Stamp Company

The company has been in the stamp industry and has been purchasing stamps since 1923. You can ship your forever stamps or other used stamps directly to the company and the company will pay you for your stamps.

6. A Dealer

Selling stamps directly to the dealers is the quickest way to get immediate money. Keep in mind that if you sell your used stamps to the dealer, they will not pay you that high price. Here, you can sell stamps directly for cash.

7. On Consignment

Samp consignment services are another great option to sell stamps as they know where and to whom to sell your Postage stamps for the best price. However, they take a commission or percentage of the sale. For that, hire a professional who that he/she sells your stamps on your behalf.

8. A Stamp Show

There are stamp shows where you can sell your stamps. The good thing about these shows is you can sell your stamps at the current retail price. However, you will need to rent a booth or table at the show. This won’t be that good for people having a small collection of stamps.

9. An Auction House

Selling stamps at an auction house is good, as you can earn a high price. However, keep in mind that your stamps can take many weeks or months to sell. Moreover, the auction house will also take a commission or 10% of the sale price.

10. An Online Auction

Online auctions are faster than physical auction houses, you can sell stamps online faster than auction houses. If you do not have a large collection of stamps or have particularly valuable stamps then selling stamps online is a great idea.

After setting the price, bidders start emailing you questions about your stamps within a week or two. Keep in mind that eBay does charge you a commission on your sales. For selling stamps on eBay, click here. 

Moreover, there are many other auction sites. Here are some places to consider:

• Bonanza 
• eBid 
• Webstore

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Guide To Selling Your Stamps

Here’s a guide that will help you in selling your stamps:

Know the worth of your Stamps

First of all, calculate the worth of the stamps as each stamp has its own value. Some rare and old stamps have a higher cost than common stamps so it is best to calculate the worth of the stamp.

Now the question may come to your mind, how do evaluate the real worth of the stamp? There are many things you can consider to calculate the price.

Let us go through them one by one.

Age

First of all, find out the age of the stamp. Check the issue date of the stamps to calculate the age. Older stamps often have a better value.

Rarity

After that, check out the rarity of the stamps. For that, check how many stamps of their kind are left. However, for this, you have to do a lot of research to know the stamp’s rarity, especially when you have a large collection.

Demand

Stamps having higher demand have a higher value as they are more sought after by collectors.

Condition

Next, check the condition of the stamps. The stamp can be either:

• Sound: There are no imperfections in the stamps.
• Faulty: Stamps have minor imperfections, such as creases or small tears.
• Defective: There are some major imperfections, such as scratches, largely noticeable creases, holes, or stains in stamps.

The condition of stamps can be further divided into seven different categories. Other categories are extremely fine, very fine, fine, good, average, fair, and below average.

Material & Centering

In the next step, determine the material used in the stamp. Also, determining the centering of the stamp’s design, means that finding the position of the stamp’s design to its outer edges.

Gum

Check out the condition of the gum which is added back to the stamp. Gum is the adhesive substance that is added to the stamp’s back.

Perforation

Determine the condition of your stamp’s perforation, which is the rows of holes on each of its four lengths.

Looking at References

Check out encyclopedias or stamp catalogs to learn about the stamp, the stamp’s history, and its value.

Online Research

You can also calculate the stamp’s value from different websites. Many websites help you in determining the value of the stamp. Such sites include auction sites, stamp dealer sites, blogs, stamp forums, and many more.

Stamp Shows

You can also calculate the stamp’s value by going to Stamp Shows. Here you will also have the opportunity to talk to other stamp enthusiasts and collectors who can give you opinions on your stamp collection.

Ask the Experts

Lastly, you can also determine the value of the stamp by visiting a professional stamp appraiser. There are many stamp experts and dealers that can offer an appraisal of your stamp but they charge a fee for the appraisal of your stamp. Additionally, they can also purchase your stamp or collection, and deduct the fee from the total cost.

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Where to Sell Old Stamps? – FAQs

[wps_faq style=”classic” question=”What stamps are worth a lot of money?”]Calculating the worth of the stamps is quite important as each stamp has its own value. Some rare and old stamps have a higher cost than common stamps. Some common US valuable stamps are ‘Blue Boy’ Alexandria Postmaster’s Provisional, Pan American Inverts, The Inverted Jenny, 1860 Stolen Pony Cover, and many more.[/wps_faq]

[wps_faq style=”classic” question=”What are the most valuable German stamps?”]Some common German valuable stamps are the One Kreuzer black stamp, Sachen 3 pfennige red stamp, Olympic Games semipostal stamp, Imperforate Baden 3-kreuzer rose stamp, 50 Million mark stamp, Baden 9 Kreuzer error stamp, and many more.[/wps_faq]

[wps_faq style=”classic” question=”Where to Sell Stamps for Cash Near Me?”]Many places buy stamps for cash near you. Selling stamps directly to the dealers is the fastest way to sell stamps for cash. On the other hand, Stamp Shows and Pawn Shops are the other fastest way to sell stamps for cash.[/wps_faq]

Our Verdict

To conclude here, selling old stamps is a great idea but for that, it is best to calculate the value of the stamp. I have explained many places where you can sell stamps, now it’s up to you which place near you suits you.

For me, Dealers and online auctions are the places to sell stamps. Moreover, it takes some time and patience to sell stamps so it is best to wait for some time so that stamps can be sold for a good price.

Lastly, if you have any questions regarding the stamps or have any tips on where to sell old stamps? If so, then please share them with us in the comments section below.