When an old stamp falls into the hands of a person far from philately, he involuntarily has the idea that this piece of paper may be of great value to someone. However, not every brand, even one hundred years old, is really worth a lot of money.
Instructions
Step 1
The easiest way to estimate the value of a postage badge is to contact an appraiser. Usually, the services of such a specialist are paid and range from 3 to 10% of the catalog value of stamps, which rarely coincides with the market value. If you want to be sure for sure, it is better to resort to this method. But only if you're in a hurry and don't have time to do the assessment yourself. Otherwise, in order to somehow navigate the cost of stamps, you should know a few basic evaluation criteria.
Step 2
Examine the stamp carefully. Unlike coins, collectible stamps have some value only if they are in perfect condition, even if the stamp is more than a century and a half old. In other words, if a postage stamp is dented, it has stains, cracks, torn teeth, in the overwhelming majority of cases, such stamps are worth nothing. Even if the catalog price of the brand is, for example, 500 rubles, then it will cost not 5, and not even 1 ruble, but nothing.
Step 3
If you have an uncanceled postage stamp of the USSR 60-80s. the last century (there are no stamps and other signs of cancellation for reuse), and its condition is very good, the price of such a brand is usually no more than 3-10 rubles. Blocks of this period will cost from 20 to 50 rubles and more.
Step 4
Another way to determine the value of a postage stamp is to find it in the catalog. The stamps of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union and modern Russia are described in various catalogs. You can use them in major public libraries in your city.
Step 5
In addition, there are thematic forums on the Internet where they can help you make an assessment. Register on one of them (www.filatelist.ru, www.forum.philatelie.ru www.forumuuu.com, etc.), scan your stamps and post them on the forum asking for help in assessing their value.
