Home >> Collecting >> Stamp Collecting

How to Identify Old Stamps

The stamp was created by the Great Britain General Postmaster, Sir Rowland Hill, in 1840. Hill wished to create a uniform system of payment for sending letters throughout Great Britain and designed the first stamp himself. It cost a penny a half-ounce. Stamps have been used worldwide ever since and may hold value to collectors, who are referred to as philatelists, depending upon the stamp history, condition and issue circulation. There are a few ways to identify an old stamp.

Instructions

- 1
  Learn about stamps, their historical background and value and view detailed photographs to help you correctly identify antique stamps. Your can purchase reference books or borrow them from the library. Two of the primary reference books for stamps are the Scott Stamp Catalogue and the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.
- 2
  Contact stamp dealers in your area who can help pin down the age of the stamp. Look for dealers who are members of the American Philatelist Society or American Stamp Dealers Association.
- 3
  Look at the stamp closely. While most stamps are not dated, many antique stamps will be indicative of materials, colors and styles popular to the time. Some of the most sought-after antique stamps include the 1867 Abraham Lincoln stamp, the 1908 Benjamin Franklin stamp and the British Guiana one-cent black on magenta stamp from 1856.
- 4
  Find online stamp directories to look up individual stamp characteristics and identify the age of the stamp. Examples of websites include Find Your Stamp Value.com and Ask Phil.org.
- 5
  Look at online auction websites such as eBay.com or Bonanzle.com and do a search on “antique stamps” or “old stamps.” Browse the current auctions and read item notes carefully. Request several photographs of the stamp, including close-up pictures from several angles that show characteristics identifying the age of the stamp. Ask the seller for authentication and information on the age and history of the stamp. Request a full refund policy or a satisfaction guarantee before buying.

Stamp Collecting