How are stamps valued?

You may be hoping to earn $$$ from collectable stamps, but their value isn’t quite that simple. For most collectors, the true value of stamps lies in the journey of amassing an amazing collection that reflects their passions and taste, as well as learning and meeting others along the way. 

The financial reward isn’t a big factor and that’s because – spoiler alert – the majority of stamps are fairly commonplace and relatively affordable to buy, and so they’re not always the one-way ticket to fortune people may assume they are. There are exceptions of course. So whether you’re a curious collector or someone that has inherited or found an old stamp collection, this is your guide to understanding the true value of stamps.  

Supply and demand 

Value is created when something is scarce but in high demand – think of people camping overnight to buy expensive limited-edition sneakers or going for pricey meals at pop-up restaurants. It’s the same with stamps – when they exist only in limited numbers that can attract a high price. But equally, stamps that exist in large quantities – as many of them do – are fairly cheap to buy with plenty to go around. This is what predominantly determines the value of stamp, like anything being sold, and why most stamps don’t have big price tags attached to them.  

What about beginners’ luck? 

Never say never, but if you’re just starting out on stamp collecting it’s important to take the time to build up experience and knowledge to know which stamps to buy that may eventually become valuable. It’s not always easy to recognise opportunities to get hold of high-value stamps right away – even experts can find it tricky. It’s best to go for stamps that you personally like and will make a great collection for you, without the expectation that they will rise in value. As we mentioned, the majority of stamps are widely available and affordable – that’s because they’re produced in large quantities to be used for mailing and to meet demand from collectors.  

When it comes to stamp price, it’s worth remembering that when you’re buying from stamp traders they sell at a retail price that covers their expenses of running a business and gives them a profit margin. Whereas if you sell your stamps to a trader, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get that same price because those factors aren’t included in a trader’s buying price.  

What if my goal is to build a valuable collection? 

Without a crystal ball, it’s impossible to know which stamps will become popular and valuable in the future. A good approach is to do your research and buy scarce stamps and philatelic items like postal history at reasonable prices you can afford, and keep hold of them. Interest and demand for them may grow and therefore the prices might rise, potentially making your collection more valuable. There are no guarantees of course, but if it’s something you are keen on then we wish you luck! 

Does old = gold? 

Even if a stamp is old, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s valuable. Many older stamps are common and still affordable to buy today. However, some 19th Century ones are in fact rare to find either because they came from a period of that century when stamp collecting wasn’t as popular, or they weren’t often used on mail. So if you have a 19th Century stamp you think could be rare and would like valued, it may be worth getting an evaluation. To get a stamp collection value, check out the Australian Philatelic Traders Association to find a dealer near you for a brief evaluation, most are fee-free.  

We hope you found this article… valuable… and you have more clarity on how stamps can be valued. Regardless of what a stamp is worth, the experience of collecting is truly rewarding because of the passion, knowledge and friendships you’ll develop on your journey. So it’s worth starting out with this in mind and if, one day, you manage to find yourself lucky enough to get your hands on a valuable stamp, then that’s a bonus! If you’d like to learn more about stamps and their value, why not try and pick up knowledge from experienced collectors by joining our collecting community.