Antique stamp appraisal, online
That old album in the attic, or the single stamp tucked inside an envelope you inherited, may be worth far more, or far less, than it looks. Our team researches it and sends back a clear value report within three days.
Structured research, reviewed for clarity
We start with the issue itself, the country, year, and catalogue reference, then weigh the things that move value: centering, margins, the state of the gum, and whether the stamp has been hinged. We read perforations, watermarks, and any cancellation or postmark, and we compare your item against recent realized auction prices rather than optimistic asking prices. The result is a plain-English report with an estimated range and the reasoning behind it, reviewed by our team before it reaches you.
What affects the value of antique stamps
Stamp value rarely comes down to age alone. A stamp printed a century ago can be common, while one from a few decades back can be scarce. Our team weighs several factors together, because the same issue can carry very different values depending on how it has survived.
Issue, country and rarity
What was printed, where, and in what quantity sets the baseline. Early issues from a country's first series, short print runs, and stamps withdrawn quickly tend to carry the most weight, and a recognized catalogue reference anchors where your example sits.
Condition, centering and gum
Two copies of the same stamp can differ widely in value. Even margins and well-centered designs are prized, and on unused stamps the gum matters: a mint never-hinged example usually sits well above one that has been hinged or regummed. Tears, thins, and heavy cancellations pull value down.
Comparable sales
We look at what comparable examples have actually sold for at auction, in matching condition, not at the prices sellers hope to get. Realized results are the most reliable guide to what your stamp would bring today.
Errors, varieties and postal history
Some of the most sought-after material is not a perfect stamp at all. Documented printing errors, inverted centers, color shifts, missing perforations, and recognized plate varieties can lift an otherwise ordinary issue into a different league. Postal history matters too: a stamp still on its original cover, with a clear postmark, a notable route, or an early use date, is sometimes worth more intact than soaked off. Knowing which differences are catalogued and which are simply damage is where careful research earns its place, and it is part of what our team checks for you rather than something you need to untangle alone.
Inherited a stamp album or collection?
Many people come to us with a whole album, a shoebox of envelopes, or a parent's collection and no idea where to begin. You do not need to sort or identify anything first. Tell us what you have, share clear photos of the pages or the individual stamps you are most curious about, and our team takes it from there, flagging the pieces that carry real value and giving you a researched range for them. When you are ready, you can submit your item and we will get started.
A few reports we've delivered
Illustrative: an 1840 Penny Black with four clear margins and a light red cancellation
$150 - $400
Illustrative: a mint never-hinged early 20th-century US commemorative set in fresh, well-centered condition
$120 - $600
Illustrative: a used 19th-century German states issue with a clear town postmark on a folded letter
$80 - $300
Illustrative: a 20th-century definitive showing a documented color-shift variety
$300 - $1,500Estimated ranges shown to guide research — not official appraisals for insurance, tax, or legal use. Illustrative examples.
Questions, answered honestly
How old does something have to be to be an antique?
As a rule of thumb, an antique is generally at least 100 years old. Items roughly 20–99 years old are usually called “vintage,” and the line shifts by category — but age alone never sets value. A 60-year-old designer piece can be worth far more than a century-old everyday object.
What affects the value of my item?
Value comes from a combination of factors: who made it, its age and rarity, condition, originality, provenance (its documented history), and — most of all — what comparable pieces have actually sold for recently. Our research weighs each of these to produce an estimated range.
I’ve inherited a collection — what do I do?
Start with the pieces you’re most curious about, or the ones you suspect are most valuable. Submit them individually, or for more than ten items use our white-glove service and we’ll research the whole batch together at a tailored rate.
Is this an official appraisal?
No. Every report is a thorough, researched estimate to guide your research — not an official appraisal for insurance, tax, or legal purposes. For those uses you’ll want a certified appraiser, and our report is a great, fast first step before that.
How accurate is a researched value report?
Our research is based on real comparable sales and a structured assessment of condition, era, and maker. It’s designed to give you a credible, well-researched estimate quickly. Like any estimate it isn’t a guarantee of sale price, which is why we always give a range rather than a single number.
“I had a vase from my grandmother and no idea where to start. The report was detailed, fast, and honest about the range.”
“Three days, a fair price, and a genuinely useful breakdown of comparable sales. Far better than waiting weeks.”
“Loved that it was upfront about being an estimate. It gave me exactly what I needed before talking to an auction house.”
Illustrative examples shown during launch — verified customer reviews will replace these as reports are delivered.
Find out what your stamps is worth
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