The heyday of philately in our country fell on the 80s of the last century. Then a lot of unique and not very unique stamps were released. Many philatelists inherited stocks with stamps from their fathers and grandfathers. However, it is not so easy to independently determine the value of a brand. Take advantage of our tips.
Instructions
Step 1
First of all, you need to understand that the brand itself has no value. It's just a small piece of paper with a picture of something on it. It is only the desire and desire of another person to acquire this specimen for their collection that makes it valuable, while paying a certain amount of money. Obviously, the value of brands is not related to the global economy and global trends.
Step 2
To determine the value of stamps, famous philatelists in their circles have created catalogs. The most famous today are Scott's catalogs (American), Michaels' catalog (very detailed, German). Russian catalogs can also be found in specialized stores, but they have not received such fame.
Step 3
Prices in catalogs appear after careful study of the postage stamp market. They are advisory in nature and do not serve as a guarantee that the brand will actually be bought at such a high price, for example. The cheapest brands, mostly large-circulation ones, are sold in kilograms or pounds.
Step 4
Most appreciated are stamps in perfect condition, in the truest sense of the word. They should be uncanceled (not postmarked), with intact teeth, with fully preserved glue on the back, without scratches or wrinkles. Canceled stamps have value only if they were issued in small circulation and almost never met in postage use. The date stamp is important here, and it is best to even keep the envelope.
Step 5
The cost of stamps depends on the general trends in the world of philately. For example, now the stamps of the USSR, Vatican, Africa are sold at prices much lower than those indicated in the catalogs, since these countries are not yet “in vogue”. However, everything can change at any time.
Step 6
Other ways to determine the value of stamps include auction houses and some online resources. However, referring to such sources, it is necessary to first inquire about their reputation in order to avoid unpleasant situations in the future.
