All questions / Coins, bills and stamps

Are old stamps worth anything?

Most old stamps are common; errors, rare issues and full sheets are the exceptions. Most 20th-century stamps are very common; many unused ones sell below their face value.

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What to look for

Check what applies to yours:

• Printing errors such as upside-down pictures, missing colors or missing perforations.
• Unused stamps with full original gum and no hinge marks, and well-centered designs.
• Whole sheets, blocks and old envelopes with interesting postmarks.

Before you sell

• Compare with items that actually sold, not only with asking prices.
• Take clear photos in daylight: front, back, marks and any damage.
• Do not clean coins, and do not repaint or polish old items: it often lowers the value.
• For anything that might be valuable, get an opinion from a certified appraiser or a specialist dealer.