r/stampcollecting • • Jul 30 '26

How do you know which stamps deserve a second look in a huge collection?

7 Upvotes

I’ve been reading through some of the inherited collection posts here, and one part of the process still seems almost impossible to me.

Imagine opening several albums and boxes containing thousands of stamps. Some are already arranged, some are loose in envelopes, and many appear to be duplicates. You know almost nothing about stamps, but you also don’t want to accidentally overlook something interesting.

Sorting everything by country seems manageable. What I don’t understand is what happens after that.

There obviously isn’t enough time to measure every perforation, check every watermark or research every stamp individually. During a first pass, what would make an experienced collector pull one stamp aside for a closer look instead of placing it with the common ones?

Once you find something that might be worth researching, what do you normally check first?

I’m not looking for a valuation of any particular stamp. I’m mostly trying to understand how collectors avoid spending months researching every common stamp without accidentally passing over something important.


r/stampcollecting • • 2h ago

Third bureau issue

Post image
21 Upvotes

Mostly NH.


r/stampcollecting • • 1h ago

nice gift pre 1900 us stamps

Thumbnail gallery
• Upvotes

recvd these in the mail from a friend. excited so i wanted to share


r/stampcollecting • • 17h ago

First issue of India

Post image
8 Upvotes

r/stampcollecting • • 19h ago

Anyone collect full coils? Are there any known full coils from say the 1910’s to 1930’s?

3 Upvotes

I was just curious if anyone collects or knows anyone who collects full coils of 3,000 or 10,000 stamps as part of their hobby. Also, how rare would a full coil from say 1920 be?


r/stampcollecting • • 21h ago

Hope its the right place

Post image
3 Upvotes

r/stampcollecting • • 17h ago

Excel Spreadsheet of US Stamps

0 Upvotes

Is anyone aware of a program or file that would list every US stamp, with Scott number or otherwise? I would envision a file with the catalog number in the first column and then columns with descriptions, denominations, colors, perforations, watermarks, sizes, printing types, format, size, etc and all manner of properties with extra columns to make notes on the condition of the individual stamps on anyone’s collection. With sort and filter features lists could be made of need or want to upgrade, etc. Also a comprehensive list would show all variations of all issues. I would sure rather buy one than make one.


r/stampcollecting • • 1d ago

Inherited stamp collection.

Thumbnail gallery
61 Upvotes

I have posted here before, but am now more serious about selling or putting up for auction. I have 11 Scotts binders filled with stamps. 3 cigar boxes filled with stamps still in paper sleeves my dad bought from auctions back in the 1980s and 1990s. He passed away in 1997. My mom sold one of his lots of stamps at auction for $9,000 in 2001. The remaining collection I have was appraised at $64,000. I am attaching some pictures I took today. If you have any idea of where I should start please let me know.


r/stampcollecting • • 23h ago

George Washington 1789-1797 stamp

Thumbnail gallery
0 Upvotes

I recently found this postcard stuffed in my roll top desk I bought from an antique store, as I had to disassemble it a little so it could fit into my bedroom. I was looking at the papers and I figured the postage on this card could maybe be worth something. I don't collect stamps myself, but I figured someone here might know a little bit about this and if there's any value to it. Sorry if this comes off as ignorant to the stamp community, I just wanted to see if it possibly has any relevance if I should do something with it. Any insight is much appreciated, have a nice day.


r/stampcollecting • • 1d ago

Queen Elizabeth stamps

Post image
13 Upvotes

Can any one tell me wat these are worth


r/stampcollecting • • 1d ago

Stamp identification apps

0 Upvotes

Hi I’m looking for a good stamp identifier app, recently got my old family members stamp collection and they have tonnes and was wondering what was the best route for identification, I’m after a cleaner more organised way of being able to look at the collection and sort it. I’ve seen people talk about how they aren’t the best at valuation but any recommendations about which are the closest? I don’t mind about any app fees for premium, just want to sort them. Thanks 👍


r/stampcollecting • • 2d ago

have a question about 2115# at the bottom there is a T where the plate number goes but T isn't listed any ideas

Post image
6 Upvotes

r/stampcollecting • • 2d ago

Any value? Stamps from EU (mostly Italy), US, Venezuela and more

Thumbnail gallery
5 Upvotes

I have zero knowledge about stamps and their value, but I recently found a TON of used stamps from a deceased family member. The majority of them are from Italy but also from the US, Venezuela, Ireland, France, Canada, etc. Does anyone with shrewd eyes see anything of value, even if it's niche/for a specific kind of collector? Even if the answer is "no, nothing", I appreciate the gut check! I already ran the photos through ChatGPT and the results didn't seem promising. :(


r/stampcollecting • • 3d ago

Trans Mississippi and Pan Aerican

Post image
70 Upvotes

I love western cattle in storm


r/stampcollecting • • 3d ago

Recently interested some stamps and just want idea of what I’m looking at

Thumbnail gallery
26 Upvotes

I have volumes 1-5 of these and most of the 1800s stuff is in there. Solid amount of each book is filled out. Plus I have 2 others but I haven’t looked through those yet. Just want an idea if this is valuable in any way.


r/stampcollecting • • 3d ago

Shipping

3 Upvotes

What’s the longest it’s taken you to receive an envelope of stamps from eBay? I’m going on 18 days as of today (Saturday 24 October). Seller marked package shipped on the 6th. Seller is a great seller and I have purchased multiple items from them so I don’t doubt one bit that they sent it but usps is really lacking right now! When is too long too long?


r/stampcollecting • • 3d ago

Recently Acquired Stamp Collection

Post image
20 Upvotes

Hello! Recently acquired a stamp collection that I don’t really know how to handle. There are some in mint condition, a bunch of individual stamps that are post marked, and a bunch that have been torn or cut off of envelopes.

I know this has been asked on here a few times because I already looked at some posts, but I have ADHD and the information is just too vast for me to focus and absorb. I kind of just want simple, general advice on what deserves a closer look.

I have two books of 4-stamp mint blocks, a few “of special interest” envelopes, animal stamps from different countries, regular stamps from different countries, some vintage pop culture stamps, and some that are separated into a more fancy booklet than others just groups into envelopes but I think are mostly from the 1950s.

Any specific years, countries, images to look out for?

Edit to clarify that I do not want to sell any stamps individually or anything like that. I just want to separate the special ones to keep for myself and then pass along the rest.

Please and thank you!


r/stampcollecting • • 3d ago

Switzerland 2014 Record Souvenir Sheet

Post image
7 Upvotes

A piece of music has been imprinted on the "record" part of the souvenir sheet using a special coating. When the souvenir sheet is placed on a LP player, it plays a brass band version of the Swiss national anthem at 33 RPM with a single puck.


r/stampcollecting • • 3d ago

What Have I Got Here? 001

Thumbnail gallery
9 Upvotes

Hello All,

Not a collector (before this point) but I recently bought via online auction about 22lb (shipped) of philatelic ephemera to cut up/use up in various bit of art. I mainly wanted the couple hundred unmailed/unstamped/unused pre-1945 FDC envelopes for art and collages... What I ended up with was apparently a stamp dealer (Louis Merrill, of Portsmouth OH and Hollywood FL, active well before 1980s)

I've got a LOT of sorting to do (saving most of it for the colder/shorter days, since I'm in a wheelchair and need some time sinks for when I can't get outside in the sun like I can today...)

So if ya'll don't mind, Imma post some of the bits and pieces I find personally interesting and get your insights and feedback from time to time. I can see this box generating at least a score more of posts in the future.

001

War Time Commemorative Covers, Naval related....

Cover: USS Potomac, Presidential Yacht, Navy Yard, Washington DC ,

Cancelled 9 Aug 1940 PM.

Cover: Deep Dive Test, USS Grayling, Submarine 6May1941

Cover: Launching of USS Grayling, 4 Sept 1940, 2:20pm

Cover: Commissioning of USS Grenadier, 18 May 1941

Cover: Launching of USS Marlin, Submarine 29 Jan 1941

Cover (edge obscured) Launching of USS Trout, 2 May 1941

I find it fascinating that the Picture of FDR is an attached B&W film photo.

(Note: I see many similar on EBAY, unsold at what I'd consider 'cheap/affordable' Buy-it-Now prices, so I have no illusions and is not the thrust of my inquiries here).

I guess my main question is "Cut'em up for art or find a more loving home?"


r/stampcollecting • • 3d ago

Inherited from my great grandfather (born 1901)

Post image
8 Upvotes

r/stampcollecting • • 4d ago

One of the neatest finds in my bulk bag I bought so far

Post image
41 Upvotes

Hey peeps just wanted to show this cool cancelation on a set of South Africa stamps hope you all find it need. Have a awesome day


r/stampcollecting • • 4d ago

3rd opinion on stamp collection

Thumbnail gallery
20 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I've inherited a stamp collection and I've been researching for the past few months. I wanted to see if I came to the right conclusion about the collection by getting some opinions if you don't mind. I'm not going to post the entire collection just a few pages and first day covers. Thanks for your time.


r/stampcollecting • • 4d ago

Can anyone tell me the Scott number of this stamp?

Post image
4 Upvotes

r/stampcollecting • • 5d ago

Is this worth anything give the ink bleed?

Post image
21 Upvotes

r/stampcollecting • • 5d ago

Cyprus 2018 medieval bridges

Thumbnail gallery
6 Upvotes