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How to Identify & Value Collector Stamps

Stamp collecting can be an enjoyable and rewarding hobby. For many, it can be a lucrative financial investment, as rare and mint condition stamps can be worth hundred to thousands of dollars. Assessing the value of a stamp shouldn't be too difficult, as there are readily available resources in libraries, bookstores and online.

Things You'll Need

Stamp(s)
Stamp tongs or tweezers
Magnifying glass
Stamp guide book

Instructions

- 1
  Hold the stamp with stamp tongs or tweezers to prevent oil and debris contamination.
- 2
  Look at the stamp through a magnifying glass to make it easier to read and discern special markings.
- 3
  Note which country the stamp originates from and, if possible, the date. Only Great Britain doesn't write its country name on the stamps. It uses the monarchs head instead.
- 4
  Look for distinguishing or unusual characteristics in the stamp, such as the cancellation date or an obvious flaw in the print. One sheet of a US Airmail stamp printed in 1918 is valued at $200,000 per stamp because the image of the biplane on it is printed upside down. It is the rarest and most expensive stamp in the world.
- 5
  Determine the condition of the stamp. Is it new or used, and are there any signs of damage. like tears, fading or hinge marks? Hinges are a way of fastening stamps into a collectors album and because they're gummed they may leave marks. Stamps in mint condition are generally worth more, unless there is something unusual about the stamp.
- 6
  Consult a stamp guide to locate your stamp and its potential value. Illustrated guides make it easier to identify your stamp.

Stamp Collecting