Heritage Auctions

How Do I Identify My Stamps?
Accurately identifying a stamp involves several steps. A basic approach includes design identification, denomination, paper type, watermark detection, and perforation measurement. Most stamps can be easily identified by comparing them to the design type found in the Stamp Identifier section of the Scott Postage Stamp Catalog. Larger public libraries typically have a copy of the Scott Postage Stamp Catalog in the reference section.

What Constitutes Valuable?
In very general terms, stamps issued before 1930 can be scarce and potentially valuable enough to sell at Public Auction. The majority of Stamps issued after 1930 have nominal "Public Auction" value today. In most cases Mint United States and Foreign stamps issued after 1930, are worth the face value printed on the stamp, when used for mailing a letter. Stamps issued after 1930 are referred to as "Modern" era stamps and only valuable when found in "High Grade".

What is Not Good for Auction?
"Gold" Replica envelopes. These are mass-marketed items and not of interest to our collectors.

Stamps saved from incoming mail. Beginner or starter stamp collections. Massive quantities of common stamps.

Are Condition and Quality important?
Vitally important. Without education, training and experience the average person cannot properly assess stamp condition and or quality. It is likely that you will see stamps offered on ha.com that "look" exactly like a stamp that you have. Bear in mind, that all of the single stamps we offer have been independently evaluated, authenticated and in most cases also graded. Condition and Quality determinations, when conducted professionally, are "technical assessments" that relate to industry standards. "Looking" the same is not a technical assessment.

What is Grading and Certification?
The professional evaluation of a stamps condition and quality. Valuable stamps cannot be sold without an appropriate Certificate of Authenticity and a Grade. The grade of a stamp is a shorthand description telling the owner that the stamp is authentic (or not), and rates the quality of the stamp. (Grade).

When buying or selling a stamp, or any collectible, it is important that both parties reach a level of agreement on that collectible's condition or grade, as this will to a great extent determine its value. In the past, this could be a difficult proposition, as it was in a seller's best interest for a stamp to be graded as high as possible, and it was in a buyer's best interest for the same stamp to be graded as low as possible. In short, since the seller has a financial interest in a collectible, (stamp) he or she has an inducement to "overgrade" in order to justify or support a price that yields a profit.

The industry leader in Stamp Grading is Professional Stamp Experts (PSE) of Newport Beach California. For a fee, PSE will examine stamps submitted to them. Their service provides an accurate identification, identify any faults, provide a report on condition and render an impartial opinion and grade in writing. PSE has no interest in the value of the stamp (they are neither buyers nor sellers), the grade rendered is truly impartial. This service has done a superb job in promoting consumer confidence, thus reinvigorating the industry as a whole.

Should I Get My Stamps Professionally Graded?
Not every stamp is a good candidate for third-party grading. A number of factors are involved in deciding whether or not a stamp should be submitted to a grading service such as PSE. First, of course, are condition and value. If the stamp in question is not of sufficient value, it is not in your best interest to spend the money to have it certified and graded.

Heritage grades thousands of stamps every year and we have experts on staff to evaluate the conditions and the cost-to-value ratio of sending any stamp in for authentication and grading. If you have any questions or would like some advice or help with a confidential evaluation of your collection, please call our toll free number at (800) 872-6467, Extension 1777.

How Do I Get My Collection Appraised?
The first step in getting an accurate appraisal is to have the items assessed by a professional. Heritage has been serving the collectibles community for over three decades. During that time we have grown to become the world's largest collectibles dealer by staying on the cutting edge of technology, emphasizing great communications and, above all, listening to what our customers want and then giving them a fair deal on their material. With the agreement of your Heritage representative, Heritage can provide insurance on overnight delivery for your package. Contact us today to discuss a free auction evaluation.

For a formal written appraisal for estate planning, insurance, or tax purposes, please contact our Appraisal Services Department. Charges for formal written appraisals are based on our experts’ time. Appraisal fee schedule can be viewed here.

Sell Now or Consign to a Heritage Auction
We are always looking for quality Rare Stamps and Postal History to purchase or auction. We'd love to talk to you about your collection. Call or email us today if you would like our experts to help you in determining the best options for your collection. Learn more…