I was hoping someone could help me understand how I can get a true value on my collection, it's not big but it might be valuable. I have one big book and one small book. the bulk of my stamps about 2000 are kept in what I believe is called a storage book. The stamps are from different countries Germany, France, England etc.

I want to be able to put a price on the stamps as I have seen here on this site. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Best Regards

Snafu

PS The picture of me is very old, I am now 65

Hi Snafu,
For the Great Britain stamps we use the Stanley Gibbons book over here and in the USA I think it's the Sotts book (?)

But to be quite honest with you, auction prices reached very rarely reach their book valuation and many sellers start at around 25% of book value....occasionally you will get a 'flyer' which surpasses the book price, mainly because more than one person want's it to finish off their collection, but it is only very rarely

OHHH... and welcome to Delcampe....you will do OK hear...a worldwide friendly bunch

Hi Karen:

Thank you for giving me that information, I will check the library. I have no idea how to find the value of the stamps maybe the book will clear that part up.

Once I find out how to get a book value then I will try and find out all of the other rules and regulations of selling or buying, thanks again.

snafu

Hi Karen:

Thank you for giving me that information, I will check the library. I have no idea how to find the value of the stamps maybe the book will clear that part up.

Once I find out how to get a book value then I will try and find out all of the other rules and regulations of selling or buying, thanks again.

snafu

bonjour snafu,

yes, i agree with karen, your local library should carry current copies of the 2008 and 2009 scott catalogs. and depending on their rules, you may be able to check some of them out for use at home. however, if your collection is what you say it is and no stamps are older than say 1940, the scott specialized 1840-1940 catalog is the best reference for you. it actually gives more information than the other scott catalogs. but you may need the others for stamps beyond 1940. hope this helps. also if you wish to use the stanley gibbons catalog without images, here is a link to their 'free' online catalog. add it to your favorites.:

Link (http)

and the new scott catalogs are in 'color'. but you will need tools such as your perf gauge, watermark tray and fluid, and magnifying glass. many varities exist of the older stamps. just some F.Y.I. from cajun, a collector of 45+ years.

amities,
cajunsr.
delcampe member #301, APS

bonjour snafu,

yes, i agree with karen, your local library should carry current copies of the 2008 and 2009 scott catalogs. and depending on their rules, you may be able to check some of them out for use at home. however, if your collection is what you say it is and no stamps are older than say 1940, the scott specialized 1840-1940 catalog is the best reference for you. it actually gives more information than the other scott catalogs. but you may need the others for stamps beyond 1940. hope this helps. also if you wish to use the stanley gibbons catalog without images, here is a link to their 'free' online catalog. add it to your favorites.:

Link (http)

and the new scott catalogs are in 'color'. but you will need tools such as your perf gauge, watermark tray and fluid, and magnifying glass. many varities exist of the older stamps. just some F.Y.I. from cajun, a collector of 45+ years.

amities,
cajunsr.
delcampe member #301, APS

I appreciate all of that information cajunsr, i'm sure it will be very helpful, that said, not sure what a perf guage or watermark tray and the proper fluid is but I will check into it as I move forward.........I can't believe how helpful everyone is.

best regards

snafu

bonjour snafu,
when you get a copy of the scott catalog, you will see answers to these questions in the front of their catalog. i take it your were a novice when you started with your collection, and still have much to learn. that is no problem here as we are here to help with any of your questions. i, also, have a set of scott catalogs among many others available to give answers to your questions on stamps in your collection. you can also see if you have a local stamp club in your area where the members can also give you plenty of advice. take care and have a great weekend.

some more helpful links:

Link (http)

Link (http){AB9F739B-39BF-43E7-89DF-32267006EF1B}

Link (http)

amities,
cajunsr.