INHERITED STAMPS
Inherited a stamp collection?
Don’t toss it, and don’t rush to sell it. Whether it’s one album or a dozen boxes, our members will help you understand what you have, for free.
BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE
Four first steps
Every year, families throw away or yard-sale collections they later learn were worth keeping. Taking these steps first protects whatever you have.
STEP 1
Keep it safe
Store albums upright in a cool, dry room. Attics, garages and basements can ruin stamps with heat and humidity.
STEP 2
Leave stamps where they are
Don’t peel stamps off envelopes or out of albums. Many are worth more left on the original cover.
STEP 3
Look for notes
Check for inventories, receipts, insurance papers or notes from the collector. They can tell you a lot about what’s inside.
STEP 4
Get it seen in person
Value depends on condition and small details that photos miss. Bring a sample to a meeting, or show it to more than one reputable dealer.
WHAT IS IT WORTH?
Setting honest expectations
Most collections are worth more as a hobby than as an investment, but some hold real surprises. The only way to know is to have someone knowledgeable look at it.
Things that can add value
- Older stamps in excellent condition, with bright color and full perforations
- Stamps still on their original envelopes with clear postmarks
- Specialized collections built carefully around one country or topic
- Errors, rare varieties and early airmail
Things that are usually common
- Modern year sets and first day covers bought by mail order
- Large bags or boxes of mixed used stamps
- Unused modern U.S. stamps, which are often worth about face value. The good news: they can still be used as postage.
YOUR OPTIONS
Keep it, sell it or donate it
Keep it
You may discover the collector’s passion for yourself.
- Learn what you have at a club meeting
- Pick one country or theme to explore
- Keep growing it with approval books and auctions
Sell it
There is no single best way to sell. A little research helps you get a fair price.
- Get opinions from more than one dealer
- Visit a stamp show to compare offers
- Ask about selling through a stamp auction
Donate it
A collection can live on and help others enjoy the hobby.
- Youth programs that introduce kids to stamps
- Groups like Stamps for the Wounded
- Ask us about other local options
Read the American Philatelic Society’s inherited collection guide →
HOW WE CAN HELP
Bring a few pages to a meeting
Our members have decades of experience and love a good mystery album. We’ll look through a sample with you, help you identify what you have and point you to reputable local dealers. There’s no cost and no pressure.
What to bring
- A few representative album pages or a stock book
- Any envelopes that look old or unusual
- Notes or receipts from the collector, if you found any
- Your questions
Tip: leave the full collection safely at home for the first visit.
Come see us on a Wednesday night
Doors open around 7:00 p.m. at Edgemere, 8523 Thackery Street, Dallas. Visitors are always welcome.
