Services for
Estate Administrators and
Executors
Our experts have decades of experience in professional philately, extensive specialist knowledge, and an in-depth understanding of international markets.
This is the foundation for determining the value of a stamp collection with great precision — including large and complex philatelic holdings.
From Valuation to Expert Appraisal and Final Sale
Support for Estate Administrators & Executors
Expert Valuation & Sale of Collections
Professional Guidance
Even Without Prior Information
The professional and successful support of estate custodians, administrators, and executors has been part of our service portfolio for many years. Whether you need the current market value of a collection to proceed with the estate settlement, or whether you have been tasked by will to sell the collection — Heinrich Köhler, as Germany’s oldest stamp auction house, is the right partner for you. We handle everything related to the asset category “stamp collection,” relieving you of all responsibilities as an estate administrator — from valuation to expert appraisal and the final sale of the collection.
Professional Valuation
Please feel free to contact us to request a professional valuation. In the first step, the following questions are of particular interest to us:
- Are there any documents relating to the original purchase prices of the stamps or other philatelic items in the collection — for example, invoices from auction houses or dealers, or personal notes made by the deceased collector?
- Are certificates of authenticity available, such as expert certificates from philatelic examiners? These indicate the presence of rarer stamps and covers, and thus a higher collecting standard.
- Has a desired sale price for the collection perhaps already been specified in the will?
But don’t worry: even if you answer all these questions with “No,” our philatelic experts are still able to determine the value of the collection.
Expert Appraisal
Objective Valuation
and Expert Reports
ISO-Certified Quality in the Auction Process
Maximum Returns Through International Demand
In the second step, we take a close and detailed look at the philatelic estate and determine its current market value. As in all markets, philately is governed by the forces of supply and demand. Value is shaped primarily by the rarity of the stamps, the current popularity of the collecting area, and — last but not least — the condition of the philatelic item. Ideally, it is in flawless condition, meaning free of damage or repairs. Upon request, we can additionally arrange for a written expert report issued by a publicly appointed and sworn stamp expert of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Wiesbaden.
Sale Through Our Auction
Our professional auctions ensure that the consigned stamps are sold as profitably as possible. Consignors and our team share the same goals: to attract as many potential buyers as possible and to achieve the highest possible hammer prices. Our business model is based on commissions earned through the successful sale of stamps to our international clientele — the higher the result, the higher our commission.
Consistent Quality Assurance of All Our Services
From consignment to the payout of proceeds, our team supports you every step of the way. To ensure maximum transparency with the utmost care, we underwent an extensive process that resulted in the award of the DIN ISO 9001 certificate. This standard is typically used by TÜV to assess the quality of industrial operations. We adapted the process and became the first and only stamp auction house worldwide to obtain this certification. All our actions are geared toward the consistent quality assurance of every service we provide for you.
Maximum Security Through Excellent Creditworthiness
Excellent Creditworthiness
(100/100 CrefoZert)
Trust Through Verified Financial Stability
A Reliable Partner for
Buyers & Sellers Worldwide
Year after year, philatelists from all over the world establish business relationships with the Heinrich Köhler auction house. Sellers place their philatelic collections in the hands of our experienced auctioneers and expect the timely payout of the auction proceeds. Conversely, bidders acquire valuable items in our auctions and look forward to swift delivery. Sellers and buyers alike act in the confidence that they have chosen a trustworthy and reliable partner whose financial stability has even been certified.
Heinrich Köhler has been awarded the CrefoZert creditworthiness certificate by Creditreform. This confirms our excellent credit rating. It is the highest assessment a company in this sector can receive — in other words: Heinrich Köhler achieved a perfect credit score of 100 out of 100 points.
We look forward to your enquiry and are happy to advise you.
What happens next? The choice is yours.
Home visit
Would you like to have your treasures appraised? Our experts will be happy to visit you.
Callback
Would you like to know the value of your items? Schedule a callback now and have your treasures appraised free of charge by our experts.
Estimate
Do you know the true value of your items? With us, you can have your treasures appraised free of charge. Take advantage of our expertise and discover the real worth of your collection.