Places that buy stamps
If you are looking for places that buy stamps, you’ve come to the right place. Your options for selling your stamps depends on what types of stamps you have. There are two types of postage stamps that people buy. Those used for postage, and those used for collecting. It’s important to know the difference between them.
Places That Buy Stamps For Postal Usage
If you have large quantities of unused stamps, there’s a good chance it can be sold or used for postage. Both vintage and modern postage stamps in singles, blocks, sheets or rolls can be used for postage regardless of their age. Unused postage stamps technically never expire.
Vintage Postage Stamps
Nearly all stamps issued after 1930 are worth face value. That is to say, they are worth the value of the denomination printed within the stamp design. The example below is a United States postage stamp issued in the 1950’s that has 3¢ on it. Therefore it has a face value of $0.03. You will get the most value out of these stamps by using them for mail. Use them to mail letters or packages with USPS. You just need to have enough of them on there to make the current rate.
Even though these stamps are approaching 80 years of age, that doesn’t mean they are “old” in the world of stamp collecting.
The governments mass produced stamps beginning in the 1930’s, and much of it survives today as stamp collectors hoarded them by the millions. Therefore, they are generally worth face value, and are extremely common in the world of stamp collecting.
However, if you would rather get cash for these stamps instead of using them on mail, you could sell them to a stamp buying service.
Modern Postage Stamps
If your stamps were issued in the last 20 years or so, they too are worth face value. There are millions upon millions of these stamps floating around out there between collectors and people who just never got around to using them. The good news is that modern stamps are typically worth more face value than vintage stamps, as the cost of postage has gradually increased over the years.
For example, stamps from the early 2000’s had face values around $0.30 each. That means you would need 10 vintage 3¢ stamps to equal the face value of one modern 30¢ stamp.
Forever Postage Stamps
Forever Stamps say the word “Forever” on them, opposed to a numerical denomination. This means they are always worth the current First-Class rate. Each unused Forever Stamp is worth $0.58 face value in 2021 at the time of writing this article. You’ll typically get the most money for Forever Stamps compared to vintage or modern stamps for this exact reason.
Instead of placing several vintage or modern stamps on a letter to make the current rate, all you need is one Forever Stamp. And if the United States Post Office decides to increase their rates (which they often do), your Forever Stamp will increase it’s face value as well.
Places That Buy Stamps For Hobby Collecting
If your stamps are issued before 1930, or are from the 1800’s, there’s a chance they may be worth more than face value. For some stamps, they may be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, even more. Collectible stamps worth more than face value were usually issued before 1930.
It’s important to note that not all stamps issued before 1930 are valuable. In fact, the vast majority are common and have no value. But there are several that are more rare and demand higher prices from stamp collectors. If you’re unsure of the value of your stamps, it’s best to contact a certified stamp dealer to have them appraised.
If you have older postage, find out Who Buys Old Stamps?
Finding The Right Place To Buy Your Stamps
If your stamps are modern, meaning they were issued after 1930, you will want to choose a Postage Buying Service. These services allow you to sell your stamps for cash, based on their face value. Placing your stamps with a service like this is fast and secure. They will offer to buy your stamps for a percentage of the face value. They also offer different payment types like check, bank wire, or PayPal.
If your stamps are collectible, meaning they were issued before 1930, they may have a higher value. In this case, you’ll want to find a place that has a certified stamp dealer. They will have a good idea of what the current collectible stamp market looks like, and offer you a purchase price for your stamps accordingly. Keep in mind that stamp dealers have to make a living like the rest of us. So expect their offer to be fair, but perhaps not what the retail appraised price is.
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