Start collecting stamps yourself
How valuable could it be?
Take care of the collection
Disposal of the collection

Start collecting stamps yourself

Stamp collecting is one of the world's most popular hobbies, satisfying our collecting instincts and providing an insight into the history, geography and culture of the countries whose stamps are collected. Why not use your inherited collection to start collecting stamps yourself? You may find that you're able to add to the whole collection, or perhaps expand on one part of it that interests you the most.

To find out more about stamp collecting, click here.

How valuable could it be?

If you decide not to collect stamps, it's worth assessing the value of the collection. Stamp values are determined by:

Supply and demand:

A stamp printed in large numbers will rarely have much value. A very rare stamp is of little value if there are few people wishing to buy it.

Condition:

The condition of a stamp is very important in determining its value. A damaged stamp is usually of little value unless it is exceedingly rare. Stamp catalogues are used as basis for a dealer's selling price. Because they need to make a profit on a purchase dealers will normally buy a stamp for a percentage of its catalogue price.

To be sure of the real value, you should have the collection properly valued. Some stamp clubs value material or could suggest where you might go. Members of the NZ Stamp Dealers Association (NZSDA) agree to abide by a code of ethics and will either provide you with a realistic idea of what the collection is worth or refer you to another dealer, collector or stamp club with specialised knowledge.

For details of members contact:
NZ Stamp Dealers Association
PO Box 1836
AUCKLAND 1140
Phone/Fax 09 377 4009

Take care of the collection

Water, mould or insects easily damage stamps. Don't leave the collection in a damp garage or basement. Before you have the collection valued never remove stamps from an envelope or postcard. Many stamps, particularly older ones, can be worth more on a cover than as a single stamp. Take the collection in the albums, books or boxes in which it was housed.

Disposal of the collection

After you've found out the collection's value your options include giving it away or selling it.

Giving it away:

If the collection has little monetary value consider giving it to a young relation, neighbour or a stamp club for young people.

For details of these clubs contact:
Philatelic Youth Council (PYC)
P O Box 2979
AUCKLAND
Phone 07 987 6543

Selling to a dealer:

For most people direct sale to a dealer is the most convenient method of selling a collection. A member of the NZSDA will make you a fair offer for the collection or direct you to another dealer who may be interested. It is worthwhile obtaining at least two offers.

Dealers may not be interested in buying material when they have no potential buyer or when they are already well stocked. A dealer may be interested in only a few items in the collection. Try alternative buyers before allowing the collection to be split.

Selling by auction:

If the collection has significant value the best method of disposal is by auction. NZSDA members can advise of auction houses able to sell the material. Some larger stamp societies also run regular auctions often specialising in estate collections. Auctions may have world-wide clientele so you will get the best market value. Commission, however, may be as high as 25 per cent.

Stamp club sales:

Where the collection consists mainly of lower value material and the person from whom the collection was inherited was the member of a stamp club the club may be able to offer the collection for sale through its members.