Vintage stamps can sit in your collection for years before you realize their true value—and a careless appraisal can leave money on the table. Before you hand over your rare stamps to an appraiser, knowing what questions to ask separates a thorough professional evaluation from a rushed, generic opinion.
What Are Their Credentials?
Your appraiser should hold membership in recognized professional organizations. Look for designations from the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), the International Society of Appraisers (ISA), or the American Philatelic Society (APS). These aren't just resume decorations—they require continuing education, ethical standards, and actual expertise in stamp authentication and valuation.
Ask directly: Have you completed formal training in philatelic appraisal? A legitimate professional can explain their certification path without hesitation. Someone who learned "on the job" at a local coin shop may understand common stamps but likely lacks the structured knowledge needed for rare or unusual pieces.
Do They Have Insurance and a Published Methodology?
Professional appraisers carry errors and omissions insurance, which protects both you and them. This is a concrete assurance that the appraiser stands behind their work. Ask for proof before proceeding.
Equally important: ask how they determine value. Do they reference current market prices from major auction houses like Sotheby's or H.R. Harmer? Do they consult Scott's Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue or specialized catalogues for your particular stamps? A vague answer like "I've been doing this for years" isn't methodology—it's guesswork wearing experience's hat.
What's the Scope of Your Collection?
Be specific about what you're bringing in. Appraisers typically charge differently based on collection size and complexity:
- Small collections (under 100 stamps, common issues): $150–$300 flat fee
- Medium collections (100–500 stamps, some rare items): $300–$750 or hourly rates ($75–$150/hour)
- Large or specialized collections (500+ stamps, significant rarities): $750–$2,500+ or percentage-based fees (0.5–2% of appraised value)
Ask upfront whether the appraisal fee is fixed or hourly. If hourly, request an estimate of how long the process will take. Collections with valuable stamps from the 1800s, mint condition stamps, or country-specific specialties typically require more detailed examination and cost accordingly.
Will They Physically Inspect Every Stamp?
This matters enormously. A cursory glance at your collection won't catch condition issues, stamps that have been cleaned, or forgeries—and any of these dramatically affects value.
Specifically ask: Will you use magnification to check watermarks, perforations, and gum condition on every stamp? Premium stamps warrant microscopic inspection. If an appraiser says they'll give a rough estimate without examining individual pieces closely, find someone else.
Also ask whether they'll note any damage or restoration on the appraisal. A stamp that's been re-gummed, bleached, or thinned loses 50–80% of its value, and your appraisal document should reflect this transparently.
What Form Will the Report Take?
You need a written appraisal document for insurance, estate planning, or tax purposes. Ask what's included:
- Individual descriptions and estimated values for each stamp or group?
- High-resolution photographs?
- Condition assessments (mint, hinged, used, etc.)?
- Date stamp and appraiser signature?
- Stated purpose (insurance, probate, donation)?
Request that the report format follows IRS guidelines if you're planning a charitable donation or need it for tax documentation. A proper appraisal should be 5–20+ pages for a serious collection, not a single-page summary.
Do They Offer Second Opinions?
While one qualified appraisal is standard, ultra-rare or highly valuable stamps sometimes warrant a second opinion. Ask if the appraiser is open to this and whether they'll coordinate with other professionals. Someone confident in their work won't be defensive about verification.
Platforms like Mercoly make it easier to find and compare trusted stamp appraisers in your area, so you can vet credentials and pricing before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if a stamp is worth appraising? If a stamp is pre-1950, appears to have unusual characteristics (rare colors, missing perforations, early printing), or is in mint condition with original gum, it's worth at least a preliminary look from a professional—even common-looking stamps can surprise you.
Q: Can I get a free appraisal first? Many stamp dealers offer quick estimates or preliminary opinions at no cost, but formal, insurance-grade appraisals always cost money; the fee reflects the expertise and liability involved in an official valuation.
Q: How often should I have my collection reappraised? For insurance purposes, every 3–5 years is reasonable; if you're actively adding rare pieces, more frequently; stamp values do fluctuate with demand and condition discoveries.
Ready to find a qualified appraiser? Start comparing professionals in your area today.