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How to Value a Stamp

Ever since the so-called Penny Black postage stamp showing Queen Victoria was issued by Great Britain in 1840, hundreds of thousands of different stamps have been issued worldwide. While stamps can be of interest for many reasons--historical significance, themes, material, color--their values depend on scarcity and condition and vary widely. There are a few methods that allow you to determine the value of a stamp.

Instructions

- 1
  Find stamp characteristics that determine value. One of the primary elements of stamp value is how centered the stamp design is inside its margins. The centering of the stamp establishes the grade of the stamp. Other factors that affect value include whether the stamp has been used or is unused and whether or not the stamp is on an envelope or is in a block of stamps. When evaluating early U.S. stamps, the cancellation--the type of mark made on the stamp when processed--and very subtle differences in color can greatly affect the stamp value.
- 2
  Evaluate other characteristics on the stamp that determine value. The material, overall condition, amount or kind of glue on the back, how heavily the stamp is cancelled, and the condition of the stamp's perforations are all important elements in establishing the value. In addition, look at the stamp closely for any discoloration, small tears, thin spots or any other faults that may detract from the overall value.
- 3
  Locate a stamp dealer or antiques expert in your area to help you determine the value of individual stamps. Stamp collectors, also known as philatelists, may be able to provide local referrals. Look in local papers, publications and online to find a local stamp club and determine when the club meets.
- 4
  Purchase a copy of the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue from your local bookstore, from an online retailer, or borrow one from your local library. This multi-volume publication organized by country provides a value for just about every stamp ever issued, in both unused and used conditions.
- 5
  Find your stamp in the Scott Catalogue and find the number associated with the stamp. Once you have this number, look up websites that offer stamp searches by category, including country, theme, color, date or value. Some websites include Find Your Stamp Value.com and Stamp Catalogue.org. You can also look at the American Philatelic Society (APS) and eBay websites to view current market demand for stamps of interest and to determine the going rate for stamps, one of which might be similar to yours.

Stamp Collecting