Hellllllp! Inherited a ton of stamps and I am a noob, could use some help here!

[Duke_Davis]

I inherited this book of stamps from a friend - I honestly have no desire to keep it, I am more of a coin collector than a stamp collector...

Be that as it may I could use some help IDing the valuation I have on this stuff. Its stamps from 1847-1950s I think they collected from the back to the front, so the earliest stamps are not all there, but as you get toward the middle of the book to the end its full up.

Can someone tell me what it is I am looking at here? Thanks!

 

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[coinsareawesome]

Only the stamps from the 1800s are worth good money.

 

[Mackaydon]

The highest value for what you have shown may be the educational value that you might offer to a Boy Scout Stamp Collecting Merit Badge counselor. Perhaps loan the book to him or donate it to the Boy Scouts.
Don.......

 

[FC-Treasure]

So stamp collectors are kindof particular about their stamps. We like to see mint not hinged stamps with no blemishes on the back (pristine gum) and the front. (clear picture, no fading). We also like to see the image perfectly centered with large margins on all sides. When you get older stamps (pre 1900) with those characteristics and also rarity due to limited production runs, then the value can be quite high.

I see you have some mint stamps, so that is good. I don't see any super valuable denominations, but I'm operating from memory and don't have a stamp catalog handy. The problem with some of the older stamps is that there are a lot of different permutations of the same stamp. So for instance, there are anti-counterfeiting perforations called "grills" on the back of some of the earlier stamps. Whether or not a stamp has "grills" changes its value. There are also different "die" instances from different years that change the value. So you can't really determine the true value until you take a stamp out and take a look at the back, then look at the front and back under a microscope.

You probably won't lose any money by just putting this collection up on eBay with a bunch of pictures. You are missing all the higher denomination, early stamps that would command a premium. The fact that you do have some pre 1940 mint stamps will help you sell, but probably for less than $50 dollars.

 

[FC-Treasure]

Some more thoughts, keeping in mind that I don't have the catalog memorized so...

I would look up the benjamin franklin variety. Perforations are weird, appears cut which isn't good.
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1030943&d=1406764456

FYI, this one has appears to have grills on the back, just as trivia
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1030945&d=1406764477

Research this one because it appears mint:
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1030950&d=1406764519

You have a few additional stamps that are worth a couple of bucks if mint not hinged. People like the complete parks set, the aeronautical conference stamps might be worth a buck or two if MNH, people might like the Washington bicentennial set if it is all MNH and pay a couple of bucks, the pilgrim stamp centering is quite bad so not much value. I seem to remember there are two color variations of the 4 cent fleet of columbus stamp with one having more value. That kindof sums up the issue, unless you really know what to look for, you won't be able to spot the rare/expensive stamps in a collection. It takes way too much time and energy. A lot of times I start to pay attention to a collection when it is apparent someone spent a lot of money putting it together. (not the case with yours).

 

[jfreakofkorn]

they have some numbers under each stamp, which in turns into a catalog number

with those number(s), they have a few price guide(s) that can be purchased at the local book store to determine the value of each one

i too, have a massive amount of stamp(s). its just a time thing to sit down with them and catalog each and everyone of them =/

 

[Catmaywag]

Wow, well I too have inherited stamps, but I have room 8x10, stacked floor to ceiling with these books. I have found out that this collection was started 4 generations-- small part are American Stamps, the majority are World Stamps. What do people do with this amount of stamps? I'm flabbergasted, but know now what he did locked up in this room!! Any direction would help, other than e-bay, too many.ty

 

[david680]

Wow, well I too have inherited stamps, but I have room 8x10, stacked floor to ceiling with these books. I have found out that this collection was started 4 generations-- small part are American Stamps, the majority are World Stamps. What do people do with this amount of stamps? I'm flabbergasted, but know now what he did locked up in this room!! Any direction would help, other than e-bay, too many.ty

With that many you would probably be best off to contact a stamp auctioneer and have them inspect, lot them up and sell them for you. Unless you have a lot (and I mean lots) of time to do it yourself.

 

[Mackaydon]

Catmaywag,
I suggest you start with learning the value of your US stamps,
Most likely, any other countries value will pale compared to your US collection.
Don....

 

[Davers]

Catmaywag,
I suggest you start with learning the value of your US stamps,
Most likely, any other countries value will pale compared to your US collection.
Don....

I know this is an older post but why are the US ones worth more?
'Please hit like so ill know you responded. ' First time on the Stamp Page.

 

[Mackaydon]

Davers,
US stamps are more valuable because there is more demand for them than the stamps from any other country.
Don........

 

[FC-Treasure]

I know this is an older post but why are the US ones worth more?
'Please hit like so ill know you responded. ' First time on the Stamp Page.

People like to collect from their own country. The buying power/per capita income of the country in question contributes to a collection's worth. So, as you would expect, countries who's stamps are valuable would be 1st world countries such as the US, Germany, Japan, England, etc. I haven't been tracking the value of early Chinese stamps, but would guess they have risen in value over the last ten years as their middle and upper classes has grown.

 

[Slingshot]

I see some very nicely centered stamps amongst those, like the 3c 1932 Washington, and several more. Whoever collected those did a good job at picking out nice stamps as most of the 30's issues aren't known for being well centered.

 

[tokenhead]

Stamp's...

The "freak",Off center 3 cent loco isn't too shabby.Grill's can be seen from behind&front(obverse/reverse),Here is a"Black Jack" F grill on a cover i own.HAPPY HUNTING ALL!!!

 

[tokenhead]

A few decent cancel's too!