Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Slating Your Collection For Stamp Appraisals

By Andrew Fisher


Philately has long been an established field. Enthusiasts, or philatelists, are always out to study stamps and their corresponding histories and values. Once in a while, one may come across something that is value laden for some such reason, and that has been established through the art and science of stamp appraisals.

A stamp has many attractions. It may be beautiful and precious enough as it is, but the value is still a fixed and going thing. Its a historical staple, and some are rarer and therefore more valuable than others. Therefore, even when a particular stamp may be something akin to eye candy, that does not necessarily mean that it has an according value.

Even when you collect stamps as a hobby and not as an investment, its still important to get your collections appraised. That is necessary to applying for insurance. It could also be that you are simply out for plain peace of mind. After all, there is a certain comfort, peace of mind, and righteous pride in knowing how much your collection is worth.

Peace of mind is more than enough reason to get down on this enterprise. When you are already pretty much set on this road, then you can better plan your future steps of action. Or else, you might be able to feel a sense of vindication and righteous pride that all these years of careful handling and preserving were not in vain.

Stamp appraisers also look at factors like the gum, as well as the method of separation, whether through rouletting or perforation. They look at each and every overprints= and underprint, and also the initials and security markings. They also have to have a basic understanding of what constitutes forgeries and fakes.

Actually, there are people and companies that give free appraisals, and these are certified ones, mind you. Usually, these are people who are in the business out of love for the hobby. Where you promise to pitch in interesting collections and finds, they may even offer free shipping so that you can personally show the set to them, or else they may even travel to you. Talk about overeager.

Whatever the case, there is quite a lot of facets in a professional appraisal. In the US, in particular, its recommended that you source experts who are registered members of the American Stamp Dealers Association or ASDA. Aside from being assuredly knowledgeable, they also adhere to stringent laws of conduct. They have thoroughly reviewed all kinds of philatelic materials and, therefore, they know the fair value of your own.

If you are keeping the collection for investment purposes, its naturally preferable to get as much or more than you have bargained for. Established appraisers in the business always give you a run for their money. Some of them even claim to pay as much as twenty percent more than their closest competitors. When that is a legit claim, that is down on lucky variables, such that they have the resources in their disposal and are well able to move their inventory faster.

Philately is a rarified, and for some esoteric, field. There are few people who truly understand and appreciate its worth and import. If you, in particular, are always second guessing your knowledge in the field, it would not do to be rash or slapdash in your actions, or risk being ill advised regarding valuable items that you thought were worthless, or else boast about worthless items that you thought were valuable. In this particular field, it is always recommendable to trust the specialists.




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