What is the value of your
philatelic treasures?
Accurate and market-based valuation
Whether you are considering selling your collection or simply wish to know its current market value, our professional and fair appraisal provides a reliable overview of the potential worth of your stamps.
Decades of experience, expert knowledge, and absolute discretion
Heinrich Köhler is Germany’s oldest stamp auction house. Our philatelic experts have decades of professional experience, in-depth specialist knowledge, and an excellent understanding of international markets. This forms the basis for assessing the value of your collection as precisely as possible. In addition, we guarantee the highest level of discretion and reliability.
How is the commercial value of a philatelic item determined?
To estimate a stamp’s value, the MICHEL catalogue offers an initial reference point. However, the listed prices merely provide a relative comparison between stamps and should not be equated with their commercial market value. For example, if one stamp of a collecting area is listed at one euro and another at 1,000 euros, it indicates that the latter is roughly 1,000 times rarer than the former.
The fact is: the principles of a free market also apply to philately. In other words, supply and demand determine the market. The main value factors are the rarity of the item, the current popularity of the collecting area, and last but not least, the quality of the philatelic piece. Ideally, it should be in perfect condition, showing no damage or repairs. The date of issue, by contrast, plays only a minor role. In short: there are modern rarities as well as very old issues that remain common and therefore inexpensive.
Used or mint – which condition is more valuable?
Used or mint – which is worth more? Quite simply, whichever condition is rarer in that particular case. If a stamp was valid for only a short period and very few examples were actually used on mail, then the used stamp is significantly more valuable than the mint one. A classic example of this can be found in the German inflation issues of 1922/23. Due to the rapid devaluation of money at that time, new postal rates were introduced at ever shorter intervals, requiring constant reprints of new stamps. As a result, some issues were in postal use for only a few weeks or even just a few days.
Conversely, if most of the issued quantity of a stamp was used for postage and only a few mint examples have survived, then an unused stamp is considerably more valuable than a used one.
Achieve your goals with a professional valuation
Initial assessment – online
With our free online tool (available at www.briefmarken-geerbt.de), you can quickly and easily receive an initial evaluation of a potential sale of your stamp collection, along with a recommendation on the most suitable way to sell it.
Consultation with an expert
Contact our experts by phone to receive a professional, free, and non-binding appraisal. Please have some key information about your collection ready (scope, collecting area, condition and preservation of the stamps, certificates of authenticity, etc.). Learn more about how to prepare for your consultation with our experienced philatelists here:
Consignment and detailed examination
Based on the information you provide, our experts will assess whether your stamps merit a closer look. In that case, we will arrange the consignment process and thoroughly examine your collection – fully insured, of course, and with a detailed receipt of acceptance.
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.