Reliable source for stamp values?

[Belfast1933]

A friend of mine asked if I knew of any reliable site where he could determine value for a stamp collection that he inherited from his father.

I know absolutely nothing about stamps, but figured there may be a few collectors here who have knowledge in that area too.

I appreciate any suggestions. I’m sure he’s also checking his Google machine, but I, find more reliable leads from experienced and trustworthy collectors here.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Michael B]

He may wish to contact this company. They are just up the road in NH.

https://www.noblespirit.com/

[philliesfan]

The best is to look up their Scott catalog numbers and check recent sales on ebay just like with baseball cards.

If you are able, post some scans so some of us can get an idea what the collection contains. If they are used singles from the 1930's to present, there is little value with some exceptions. If they are from the 19th century to the 1920's, there could be minimal value to several thousand dollars. It just depends on what is there and condition.

If they are mint unused from the 1930's to present, just use them for postage.

I buy from Noblespirit often. I like buying their collections.

Bob

[Belfast1933]

Thx Mike and Bob.. I’ll pass your thoughts along.

[steve B]

Noble Spirit is a big volume dealer, mostly on Ebay.

They're now tied in with the Spellman Museum, moving the bulk of the donated collections.
The club I'm a member of had a weird third hand experience with them that I still wonder about.

The two biggest questions are value and your friends goals.

I can maybe give a rough idea from some decent pics, but the nuances that make the difference between a stamp that has minimal value - for US, nearly every stamp since the 1930's. Although some early 1930's are getting more than minimal value the last few years if they haven't been used or hinged into an album.

It can be a long tough journey if he's looking to maximize what he gets.
For a fairly quick sale most dealers pay about 10% of catalog, and try to get 50%. An international collection will be less attractive to a dealer who mostly does US.
If there are a handful of expensive stamps, he might do a bit better.

If he's near Lowell Ma, I'd be glad to go have a look.

[JustinD]

I’ll admit I loved stamps more than cards in my teens as the junk wax years caused me to move away from the same focus and I can’t even comprehend the knowledge that was learned in studying the history shown in those beautiful engravings. I fight my inner brain constantly to jump back in and start knocking down those earlier sets sitting in the Lighthouse albums in my safe. Wisely, I already know the disaster I am leaving my son to deal with and keep fighting it off.

I used to get so happy when my Linns Stamp News would come and read front to back asap. Sigh, good days.