Have you just inherited a stamp collection and are wondering if you have a gold mine or just a pile of old paper on your hands?
Let’s be honest: facing dozens of albums when you know nothing about them is totally intimidating. Most people waste weeks flipping through outdated catalogs or, worse, sell their heritage for a pittance to unscrupulous junk dealers out of fear of complexity.
Imagine being able to sort through years of collecting in less than an hour and immediately isolate the pieces that have real market value. You don’t need to become a philatelist: all you need is to use the right visual shortcuts to know exactly what you own.
At Sell my stamp, we have summarized our 19 years of expertise into a simple method. Here is the practical guide to sorting your inheritance in 3 steps and finally getting an honest estimate for your collection.
Introduction: don’t panic (and don’t soak anything off!)
Before opening the first album, take a breath. Philately is a school of patience.
Important Rules to Follow
- The Emotional Aspect: A collection often represents decades of passion. Treat it with care, but stay pragmatic for the sale.
- The Golden Rule: Never soak a stamp off an old envelope and do not attempt to clean a stain yourself. A stamp “in its original state” on a letter can be worth 100 times more than a single stamp.
- The Goal: Go from a pile of binders to a concrete action plan with the help of experts.
Step 1: the visual audit (assess scale and condition)
Before looking at the stamps, look at the case. It often says a lot about the jewel.
1.1 Equipping yourself like a pro
Key Takeaway
- Philatelic Tweezers: This is tool number one. Your fingers transfer grease that can destroy the stamp’s gum.
- The Magnifying Glass (10x magnification): Essential for spotting broken teeth or creases.
- Lighting: Work under white LED light. Yellow light distorts colors and hides defects.
1.2 Immediate value clues
- Condition of the Albums: Luxury albums (leather bindings, brands like Yvert & Tellier or Lindner) suggest a serious investment from the collector.
- Historical Period: Stamps from before 1940 are statistically the most sought after.
- Country of Origin: France, former colonies, and China are currently the strongest markets.
Sell my stamp’s Tip: If you feel overwhelmed at this stage, don’t waste time. Take a general photo of the collection and contact us. We will tell you immediately if a visit from our experts is necessary.
Step 2: the three-pile method (selective sorting)
Potential Jackpot
This is where you save precious time. Don’t look for every stamp in a catalog; separate them by sales potential.
2.1 The “Gold” Pile: High-End (Potential > €50 per piece)
This is where the real value lies. These pieces require professional expertise.
Potential Jackpot
- Classics (before 1900): Faces of Ceres or Napoleon III.
- Signed or Certified: Look for small signatures on the back of the stamp or paper certificates.
- Chinese Stamps: Highly sought after, especially revolution themes.
- “Mint Never Hinged” ():** An old stamp whose back is perfectly smooth and shiny.
2.2 The “silver” pile: the heart of the collection
This pile often makes up the majority of the buyout price.
- Complete Years: Filled albums with no gaps (e.g., France 1945-1990).
- Strong Themes: Trains, birds, space, aviation.
- Miniature Sheets: Special formats (often a stamp in the center of a large illustrated sheet).
2.3 The “bronze” pile: bulk and curosity
High volume but low unit value.
- Bulk in Bags: Thousands of soaked-off and modern stamps (sold by the kilo).
- Cancelled “Modern”: Stamps after 1970 that have traveled.
- Defective Stamps: A missing tooth or a tear removes 95% of the value.
Piles Comparison Table
| Characteristic | Gold Pile (Priority 1) | Silver Pile (Priority 2) | Bronze Pile (Priority 3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Period | Before 1900 | 1900 - 1950 | 1960 to today |
| Back Condition | Intact gum (**) | Hinge mark (*) | No gum / Cancelled |
| Origin | France, China, USA | Colonies, Europe | World in bulk |
Step 3: inventory and decision making
Now that it’s sorted, you need to transform this paper into concrete value.
3.1 Create a clear collection sheet
To get an accurate estimate from Sell my stamp, prepare this information:
- Volume: Number of albums and weight of bulk.
- Strengths: List the countries or pieces in your “gold pile”.
- Photos: Take sharp photos of the first 5 pages of the oldest albums.
3.2 Understanding real value (catalog vs. market price)
Don’t make the mistake of believing that the price indicated in a catalog is the price you will receive. The “catalog value” is an insurance value.
The actual buyout price is generally between 10% and 30% of the catalog value, depending on quality and current demand. At Sell my stamp, we are committed to total transparency: we explain to you how we arrive at our offer.
3.3 Why Choose Sell my stamp for Your Sale?
Selling to a junk dealer or on an auction site can be risky or very time-consuming. At Sell my stamp, we offer two solutions tailored to your needs:
Option 1: direct purchase (immediate payment)
Want a fast and hassle-free transaction? We buy your collection directly.
Benefits of Direct Purchase
- Immediate Payment: You receive your money as soon as the agreement is concluded, with no waiting.
- Total Simplicity: No sales management, no hidden fees.
- Guaranteed Security: Professional transaction with contract and receipt.
- Ideal for: Medium-value collections or if you need cash quickly.
Option 2: consignment sale (maximize price)
Prefer to get the best possible price? We sell your stamps on your behalf.
Benefits of Consignment
- Optimized Price: Your stamps are offered at their fair market value on our sales channels.
- Marketing Expertise: We highlight your pieces to our international network of collectors.
- Transparency: You follow the progress of the sale and receive a detailed report.
- Ideal for: High-value collections or rare pieces that deserve to be showcased.
Our guarantees common to both options:
Key Takeaway
- Security: We offer insured shipping solutions or home visits for large collections.
- Expertise: We know the specifics of the 2026 market, especially for Asian stamps and luxury classics.
- Support: Our experts advise you on the best option according to your collection and your goals.
Conclusion: your final checklist
Before contacting us for your free estimate:
Final Checklist
- Have you properly isolated the pre-1900 stamps in your “gold pile”?
- Have you checked if any stamps had a certificate of authenticity?
- Are your photos sharp and taken under white light?
- Have you thought about whether you prefer immediate payment or maximizing the price via consignment?
Ready? Send us the details of your collection via our contact form and receive an initial opinion from our experts within 48 hours.
