Stamp collecting is a timeless hobby that allows enthusiasts to explore the world's history and culture through the unique and intricate designs of postage stamps. From the first adhesive stamps introduced in the mid-19th century to the dazzling array of modern stamps, there is no shortage of variety and interest in this fascinating field.
We take pride in showcasing some of the finest collections of stamps in our auctions and whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, we have something for everyone, from classic British stamps to exotic stamps from far-flung countries.
We believe that collecting stamps is more than just a hobby; it is a way to connect with history and culture in a unique and meaningful way and we invite you to explore the extensive collections of stamps in our upcoming auctions.
Valuing and appraising rare stamps can be a complex and nuanced process that requires expertise and experience. Whether you are an experienced stamp collector or new to the hobby, understanding the value of your stamps is crucial for making informed decisions about buying, selling, and trading. In this article, we will outline five key steps to valuing stamps and stamp collections.
The valuation process for rare stamp collection typically involves the following steps:
Research - Before you can accurately value your stamps, you must first understand their history, rarity, and current market demand. Start by researching the specific stamp or stamps you want to value. Look for information on the stamp's origin, printing process, and any significant events or people associated with it. Past auction results and recent stamp sale catalogues can be useful starting points for your research.
Condition Assessment - The condition of your stamps can significantly impact their value. Look for signs of wear, such as creases, tears, stains, or discoloration. Stamps that are well-preserved and free of damage are generally more valuable than those in poor condition.
Rarity - The rarity of a stamp is a crucial factor in determining its value. Look for stamps with low printing numbers, unusual or rare designs, and those with historical significance. Stamps that were only in circulation for a short time or that were withdrawn from circulation can also be more valuable.
Market Demand - Stamps that are in high demand among stamp collectors will generally be more valuable. Keep an eye on current trends and patterns in the stamp collecting world to identify which stamps are particularly popular.
Get Expert Appraisal - Finally, to ensure an accurate valuation, it is recommended to consult an expert stamp appraiser. A professional appraiser will have the knowledge and expertise needed to accurately value your stamps, taking into account all of the factors mentioned above.
By following these five key steps, you can gain a better understanding of the value of your stamps and make informed decisions about buying, selling, or trading them.
Collecting British stamps from different eras can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby. Here we explore five different eras of British stamp collecting and highlight some of the key stamps to look out for in each era.
Victorian Era (1837-1901) - The Victorian era saw the birth of the postage stamp in the UK, with the famous Penny Black stamp issued in 1840. Collectors can look for stamps from this era with intricate designs, including portraits of Queen Victoria and other notable figures of the time, as well as stamps with unusual colors or perforations.
Edwardian Era (1901-1910) - The Edwardian era saw the introduction of stamps with higher denominations, including the famous £1 green and £5 orange stamps. Collectors can look for stamps with intricate designs, including portraits of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.
George V Era (1910-1936) - The George V era saw the introduction of stamps with more modern designs, including the famous Seahorse stamps issued in 1913. Collectors can look for stamps with bold designs, such as the 1929 Postal Union Congress stamp and the 1934 Re-engraved Seahorse stamp.
George VI Era (1936-1952) - The George VI era saw the introduction of stamps with more contemporary designs, including the 1948 Silver Wedding stamp and the 1951 Festival of Britain stamp. Collectors can look for stamps with innovative designs and interesting themes, such as the 1937 Coronation stamp and the 1948 Olympic Games stamp.
Elizabeth II Era (1952-Present) - The Elizabeth II era has seen a wide variety of stamps issued, including the famous Machin series introduced in 1967. Collectors can look for stamps with innovative designs and interesting themes, such as the 1973 Christmas stamp and the 2012 Diamond Jubilee stamp.
Whether you are interested in Victorian-era classics or contemporary Elizabeth II stamps, there is no shortage of variety and interest in this fascinating collecting field.
Stamp collecting has long been a beloved hobby for many people around the world, with some collectors investing millions of dollars into their collections. Here are the top 10 most valuable stamps in the world, as of 2023.
British Guiana 1c Magenta - Considered the most valuable stamp in the world, with a value of over $9 million. The stamp, which was printed in 1856 in British Guiana, features a simple design of a ship and a local sailing vessel.
Treskilling Yellow - A Swedish stamp that is valued at around $3 million. Printed in 1855, the stamp was supposed to be green, but a printing error resulted in a yellow stamp with a face value of 3 skilling.
Inverted Jenny - A United States stamp that features a biplane printed upside-down. Only 100 of these stamps were ever printed, making them extremely valuable. A single stamp can be worth up to $1.5 million.
Penny Black - The world's first postage stamp, issued in the United Kingdom in 1840. The stamp features an image of Queen Victoria and was printed in black ink, hence the name. A well-preserved Penny Black can be worth thousands of dollars.
Mauritius "Post Office" Blue - A rare stamp that was issued in 1847 in the island of Mauritius. Only a few examples of this stamp exist, and they are valued at around $1 million each.
Baden 9 Kreuzer Error - A German stamp that features a printing error, with the number 9 printed upside-down. Only a few of these stamps are known to exist, and they are valued at over $1 million each.
Basel Dove The Basel Dove - A Swiss stamp that was issued in 1845. The stamp features a simple design of a dove and is considered one of the most beautiful stamps ever produced. A well-preserved Basel Dove can be worth up to $40,000.
Red Revenue Small One Dollar Surcharge - A Chinese stamp that was issued in 1897. The stamp features a small red surcharge on top of a $1 stamp, and only a few examples are known to exist. They are valued at around $900,000 each.
The "Whole Country is Red" Error - A Chinese stamp that was issued in 1968. The stamp features a map of China with the words "The Whole Country is Red" printed on it. A few stamps were printed with a major error, making them highly valuable. A single stamp can be worth up to $600,000.
Swedish Three Skilling Banco Yellow - A rare stamp that was issued in 1857. Only one example of this stamp is known to exist, and it is valued at over $2 million.
In conclusion, the world of stamp collecting can be a highly lucrative one, with some of the most valuable stamps selling for millions of dollars. While not everyone will be lucky enough to own one of these stamps, there are many other valuable stamps out there waiting to be discovered by collectors.
If you have rare or collectable stamps that you are considering selling, we would like to invite you to enter your collection into our upcoming stamp auction.
Our auction attracts stamp collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world, and we have a team of experienced stamp valuers who can help you determine the value of your collection.
We offer a personalised service to all our clients, and we will work with you to ensure that your stamps are presented in the best possible way.
We offer free auction advice and estimates, without obligation, to help you decide whether or not to sell at auction. If you are interested in entering your stamp collection into our auction, please contact us to arrange a valuation.
