Stamp Appraisals

West Coast Stamp Company has appraised stamps for people all over the United States for more than 30 years. We are a certified stamp dealer and a member of the American Philatelic Society, member number 224675.

Here is how it works. You buy an appraisal, you send us photos, and we send you a written appraisal. The single and ten stamp appraisals identify each stamp and give a value for each one. The collection appraisals value the whole holding as one lot and do not identify individual stamps. If we are in a position to buy, we will also make you an offer. We cannot make an offer on every collection, and buying an appraisal does not guarantee one.

Choose An Option To Learn More

What you need before you buy

Every appraisal is done from photos you send us. You do not mail us your stamps. After you buy, we email you a link where you upload the photos.

For single stamps, take one photo of the front and one photo of the back of each stamp.
For a collection, photograph the albums, the pages inside them, the boxes, and anything that looks special to you.
Use good light. Put the stamp on a plain background. Let the stamp fill most of the frame.
A phone camera is fine. Most of the photos we receive are taken on a phone.
Blurry photos are the main reason an appraisal comes back less exact, so it is worth taking your time over them.

About purchase offers. We require a formal appraisal before we buy any stamps or make any purchase offer. Whether we make an offer depends on the material itself and on what we need in stock at the time. Buying an appraisal does not guarantee we will make an offer. If a collection is large or valuable enough we may arrange to inspect it or collect it in person, though that is not guaranteed either.

Why Use West Coast?

THE RIGHT VALUE, NOT A GUESS
We give you current market values, both what a dealer would pay and what the stamps would sell for. Our numbers come from real sale prices, recent ones, online and offline, in the United States and abroad.

WE PAY WELL WHEN WE BUY
We are a small company with low overhead, so we can pay more than the big dealers on material we want. When we do buy, you are paid the same day by bank transfer. We cannot buy every collection, and an appraisal does not guarantee an offer.

WE MAKE IT EASY
You send photos from your phone. Nothing gets mailed to us. We have appraised and bought collections from every part of the country.

YOUR INFORMATION IS SAFE
Every appraisal is confidential. We do not share your details or your photos with anyone.

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What Is a Stamp Collection Appraisal?

A stamp collection appraisal is the process of professionally assessing the value of a stamp or an entire collection. This evaluation considers factors such as rarity, condition, historical importance, demand, and market trends. The outcome is typically a written or verbal report detailing the estimated market or replacement value of the items.

Professional appraisers may be independent or affiliated with philatelic societies, auction houses, or specialized dealers. Collectors seek appraisals for various reasons, including estate planning, insurance coverage, sales preparation, or simply personal curiosity.

Reasons to Get a Stamp Collection Appraisal

Collectors pursue appraisals for several key reasons:

Insurance Coverage: Insurance companies usually require a formal appraisal to issue a policy that covers a stamp collection against loss, theft, or damage.
Selling a Collection: Whether selling through private sale, auction, or a dealer, knowing the fair market value ensures that sellers receive appropriate compensation.
Estate Planning and Inheritance: Heirs often need to understand the value of an inherited collection to distribute assets fairly or decide whether to keep, sell, or donate.
Charitable Donations: Donations of valuable collections to museums, libraries, or philatelic societies typically require appraisals for tax deduction purposes.
Personal Knowledge: Some collectors simply wish to understand the monetary value of their lifelong passion.

How Appraisers Determine Value

Appraisers evaluate several characteristics when determining the value of a stamp collection:

1. Condition

Condition is one of the most critical factors in valuation. Stamps are assessed on centering, gum condition (for unused stamps), perforations, color freshness, cancellations (for used stamps), and absence of faults such as tears, thins, or creases.

Grading scales, such as those used by the Philatelic Foundation or Professional Stamp Experts (PSE), categorize stamps as superb, very fine, fine, average, or below average. Higher grades command higher values.

2. Rarity

Rarity refers to how scarce a stamp is in the philatelic marketplace. This scarcity may result from low print runs, limited geographic distribution, or survival rates over time. Stamps that were withdrawn shortly after issuance or have production errors can be especially rare and valuable.

3. Demand

Even a rare stamp may have limited value if there is no collector demand. Popular themes, countries, or time periods tend to command higher prices. For instance, classic U.S. stamps, British Commonwealth issues, and zeppelin covers are typically in strong demand.

4. Completeness

A complete set often holds more value than individual scattered items. Collections that showcase a complete series or thematic grouping are frequently appraised at higher levels.

5. Provenance

Provenance, or the history of ownership, can increase a collection’s prestige and value. Collections previously owned by renowned collectors or those with an established exhibition history may bring a premium.

6. Authentication and Certification

Certificates of authenticity from recognized philatelic experts or organizations add credibility to a collection and can significantly increase appraised value, particularly for rare or controversial items.

Finding a Qualified Stamp Appraiser

Choosing a qualified appraiser is crucial for an accurate and reliable evaluation. Look for individuals or firms with established reputations, credentials, and memberships in reputable philatelic organizations. Reputable organizations include:

American Philatelic Society (APS)
American Stamp Dealers Association (ASDA)
Royal Philatelic Society London (RPSL)
Philatelic Foundation (PF)

Collectors should inquire about the appraiser’s fee structure. Appraisers typically charge by the hour, per item, or as a flat fee. Ethical appraisers avoid basing fees on a percentage of the collection’s value, as this can create conflicts of interest.

Preparing a Collection for Appraisal

Proper preparation ensures a smooth appraisal process and can enhance the appraiser’s ability to assess the collection accurately.

Organize the collection: Arrange stamps logically by country, era, or topic. Place stamps in albums, stock books, or on approval cards. Loose stamps can be stored in glassine envelopes or protective sleeves.

Provide documentation: Include previous appraisals, purchase receipts, certificates, auction catalogs, or correspondence related to key items in the collection.

Identify key pieces: Flag rare or noteworthy items, but do not attempt repairs or cleaning. Amateur restoration can decrease value.

Inventory the collection: While not always required, an inventory list detailing countries, years, and notable items can be helpful.

Appraisal Methods

Appraisers may employ various methods depending on the purpose of the appraisal and the nature of the collection:

Fair Market Value Appraisal: Reflects the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in the open market. This is the most common type, useful for sales, estate planning, or insurance.
Replacement Value Appraisal: Estimates the cost to replace the collection with similar items, typically used for insurance purposes.
Liquidation Value Appraisal: Reflects the price achievable in a quick-sale scenario, often relevant in divorce settlements or bankruptcy proceedings.

The appraiser may physically inspect the collection or, in some cases, conduct a virtual review using high-resolution photographs and documentation. However, physical inspection is usually preferred for high-value items.

Common Challenges in Stamp Collection Appraisal

Appraisers and collectors may encounter several challenges during the valuation process.

Identifying forgeries and reprints: Some stamps are frequently forged or reprinted, making expert authentication essential.

Condition discrepancies: Stamps stored in improper conditions (e.g., high humidity or sunlight) may deteriorate, reducing their value significantly.

Market fluctuations: Stamp market values can fluctuate based on collector interest, economic conditions, and changing tastes. Appraisals reflect market conditions at the time of evaluation.

Mixed-quality collections: Many collections contain a mix of common and rare items. Appraisers must carefully separate valuable material from bulk or low-value content.

Where to Get a Stamp Collection Appraised

Collectors have several options for obtaining a stamp collection appraisal:

Professional Appraisers: Independent appraisers or philatelic consultants offer private appraisals, often by appointment.
Stamp Dealers: Many dealers provide informal evaluations, but collectors should be cautious when seeking appraisals from dealers who may have an interest in purchasing the collection.
Philatelic Societies and Clubs: Local or national philatelic organizations may offer appraisal services or recommend qualified experts.
Auction Houses: Specialized philatelic auction houses can appraise collections for potential sale, often without charge if consigning to auction.
Online Appraisal Services: Some platforms offer virtual appraisals based on photographs and descriptions, though these are typically less precise than in-person evaluations.

Cost of a Stamp Collection Appraisal

A traditional in-person appraisal from a formal appraiser can run from a few hundred dollars for a small collection to several thousand for a large or complex holding, usually billed hourly. An online photo-based appraisal costs a fraction of that. Our single stamp appraisal is $9.99 and covers identification, grade, catalogue value and retail value. Our stamp collection appraisal is $49.99 and covers up to 20 photos with wholesale and retail estimates. Whether the report carries a purchase offer depends on the material and our stock needs, so buying an appraisal does not guarantee a purchase offer. We require a formal appraisal before we purchase a collection or make a purchase offer.

Some appraisers offer preliminary assessments or verbal opinions at a lower cost. Formal written appraisals, required for legal or insurance purposes, generally carry higher fees.

Stamp Appraisal FAQs

How much does a stamp appraisal cost?

A single stamp appraisal is $9.99, a ten stamp appraisal is $59.99, a stamp collection appraisal is $49.99 and a large collection appraisal is $99.99. Both are written reports delivered by email. A formal appraisal is required before we can make a purchase offer, and buying one does not guarantee an offer.

How long does a stamp appraisal take?

The single stamp appraisal and the stamp collection appraisal are delivered within 3 business days. The ten stamp appraisal and the large collection appraisal are delivered within 5 business days.

What is included in a stamp collection appraisal?

You submit up to 20 photos. The report includes a condition assessment, estimated wholesale value, estimated retail value, and a purchase offer where the material suits our stock needs.

What is included in a single stamp appraisal?

Scott catalogue number identification, potential alternative catalogue numbers, a condition analysis, a centering grade, the Scott catalogue value, an estimated retail value, and a purchase offer.

Can I get a stamp collection appraised online?

Yes. The entire process is done by photograph and email, so you never have to ship your collection to get a valuation. We appraise collections for customers across the United States.

Where can I get stamps appraised near me?

Local coin and antique shops rarely have a philatelic specialist on staff. An online appraisal by an American Philatelic Society member dealer gives you a specialist valuation without travel or shipping. We appraise remotely for customers nationwide.

Do I need an appraisal before you will make a purchase offer?

Yes. We require a formal appraisal before we purchase a collection or make a purchase offer. Order the appraisal that matches what you are selling, upload your photos, and we produce the written report. Whether it carries a purchase offer depends on the material and our stock needs, so buying an appraisal does not guarantee a purchase offer. For large or high-value collections we may arrange an in-person inspection or collection, though that is not guaranteed either.

Who is qualified to appraise a stamp collection?

Look for membership in the American Philatelic Society. West Coast Stamp Company is an APS member dealer, member number 224675, with more than 30 years of experience buying and valuing stamp collections.

Tips for Maximizing Appraisal Value

While collectors cannot control intrinsic market factors, they can take steps to preserve and present their collections in the best possible light:

Store properly: Use archival-quality albums, pages, and mounts. Avoid tape, glue, or other non-archival materials.
Maintain documentation: Keep receipts, certificates, and historical correspondence with the collection.
Avoid overhandling: Excessive handling can cause damage. Use stamp tongs and keep stamps free from oils or moisture.
Update appraisals periodically: Regular reappraisals, especially when market conditions change, ensure the collection’s value is accurately recorded.

What Happens After an Appraisal?

Once the stamp collection appraisal is complete, collectors receive a report detailing the estimated value of the collection. This document serves as a reference point for insurance policies, estate planning, sales negotiations, or charitable donations.

Collectors planning to sell should research potential sale venues, such as public auctions, private treaty sales, dealer sales, or online platforms. It is advisable to compare offers and consult with experts before finalizing any transaction.

For those seeking insurance coverage, the appraisal report should be submitted to the insurance company to secure a policy tailored to the collection’s value and specific risks.

In cases of charitable donations, appraisers should comply with IRS requirements, particularly for donations valued above specific thresholds. Proper documentation ensures compliance with tax regulations and maximizes available deductions.