These days, it seems harder to find stamp collectors nearby. Stamp collecting is not as popular as it was a few decades ago. However, that doesn’t mean that the hobby of stamp collecting is dead. In fact, there may be more collectors out there than you think. Here are the best places to find stamp collectors near you.
Unused Postage Buying Services
All unused postage stamps issued after 1930 are worth face value. This means they are worth the denomination present on the stamps. For example if your stamp says 8 CENTS on it, then it is worth 8 cents of postage today. They can be used to mail packages today, despite some of them being almost 100 years old. The reason for this is that around 1930, the government began producing millions of surplus stamps for each issue to keep up with the demand from stamp collectors and the growing population.
These stamps are very common and in abundance in the vintage postage market. While you can get a full 8 cents of postage value by using them on mail, they are only worth about half of face value in the resale market. Keep in mind that in order to use vintage postage like this on mail today, you have to put enough of them on your package to make the current mail rate. With the current postage rate of a standard letter being $0.68 in 2024, you would have to have (9) 8 cent stamps to make the rate. With the extra labor involved, consumers are not willing to pay face value for these types of stamps.
If you have unused postage issued after 1930 to present day, check out this postage buying service to see their process and how much they will pay for your stamps.
Local Stamp Collector Clubs
Stamp clubs are groups of local people who all take part in the hobby of stamp collecting. There aren’t as many clubs in existence today as there were 30 years ago. So if there’s not a stamp collector club near you, you may want to resort to the previously mentioned social media groups.
Stamp clubs are a great place to meet nearby stamp collectors. The club members generally meet once a month at a public location. Here, they discuss various stamp topics and buy, sell, and trade with other members.
Many clubs have monthly stamp auctions. Stamps are submitted by the members to be auctioned off to other members. It’s a good place to learn what the retail and market values are for specific stamps. Aside from the monthly meetings, stamp clubs are also responsible for putting on stamp shows. Keep reading to learn more.
Go here to find local stamp collector clubs near you
Stamp Collector Shows And Expos
Stamp collector shows are public events that bring together several stamp dealers into one venue. Here, you can browse stamps for sale and take part in auctions. It’s also a great place to bring a stamp collection in for appraisal. There will be several stamp dealers there, so you can get second opinions without additional travel.
Building a relationship with a stamp dealer is another effective way to find local stamp collectors. They have a network of several customers they’d likely be able to introduce you to.
Another benefit that stamp shows provide is the ability to bring other friends and family along for the ride. You may be able to spark interest in the hobby with someone you already know, and turn them into a stamp collector.
Search for stamp collector shows near you
Social Media Stamp Collector Groups
While in-person stamp clubs have dwindled down across the U.S., many stamp collectors have migrated online. There is a healthy stamp collecting community in Facebook Groups. Here, collectors post photos and questions about stamps. They also buy, sell, and trade with other stamp collector members.
These groups typically have themes. Common ones include collecting by country, or specialized areas of stamp collecting like covers or plate blocks. Some of them are private, so you’ll need to request to join. However they generally allow anyone in their group as long as you abide by the group’s rules.
