Stamp auction and
stamp sale
Online Live Bidding
Follow the auction as if you were there in person: via the on-screen display with the current bid, plus real-time video and audio transmission from the auction room.
Greater reach for higher hammer prices
Stamp auctions and stamp sales at Heinrich Köhler
Heinrich Köhler is the oldest stamp auction house in Germany. Even its founder, Heinrich Köhler, was highly regarded by collectors – not least because most of the great collections of his time were sold in his stamp auctions.
More than a century later, our company continues to shape the philatelic market in Germany. Over the years, numerous auctions have marked important milestones in our successful history: in 1985, for example, a world record was achieved for a German stamp when a bidder paid 2.3 million Deutsche Marks for the famous “Baden error of 1851” – equivalent to around 1.18 million euros today.
And it is not only the stamps themselves that are remarkable, but also the people associated with them. The philatelist Simon Wiesenthal, for example, stipulated that after his death his entire collection should be sold through the stamp auctions of Heinrich Köhler. The auction held in 2006 consequently attracted worldwide attention.
Our proven principles for successful stamp auctions
Such a company history is both an obligation and an inspiration to strive for excellence every day. We owe our lasting success essentially to three principles that form the foundation of our work and of your trust in our stamp auctions: competence, tradition, and quality.
Quality, Security & Transparency
Our credo is that transparency, reliability, and honesty are the indispensable foundation for a relationship built on trust. We guarantee absolute integrity in all our services.
The House of Heinrich Köhler
For more than 100 years, the auction house Heinrich Köhler has stood for outstanding stamp auctions. Our history combines tradition with innovative strength – supported by one of the most important philatelic reference libraries in Europe.
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Expertise
Only those who truly understand the market can achieve top results at a stamp auction. The value of a philatelic item depends on various factors. Rarity and postal history significance are just as important as current demand – and, of course, the authenticity of the piece.
At Heinrich Köhler, we rely not only on our extensive philatelic library but also on the unique Köhler Index, unmatched worldwide in scope and completeness. Our close connections with the German Federation of Philatelic Experts and specialists around the globe ensure the most accurate possible evaluation.
Tradition
The first auction by the Heinrich Köhler auction house took place on 23 April 1913. Profound expertise, philatelic foresight, and pioneering stamp auctions soon established Heinrich Köhler as one of the world’s leading auction houses.
We continue this tradition with utmost dedication – from the legendary Boker stamp auctions of the 1980s to the sales of the Fritz Kirchner collection in 2009.
Quality
The quality of a stamp has a direct impact on the price it can achieve. The more precisely we determine the quality of your items, the better their chances at auction.
Of course, only stamps whose authenticity is beyond doubt are eligible for sale. For optimal presentation, each item is carefully re-examined, regardless of any existing certificates.
Descriptions are based on both the expert opinion and the stamp itself. Our commitment to quality also includes the reliable handling of all procedures as well as honest and transparent pricing.
Stamp auctions with Heinrich Köhler – first steps: Is your collection suitable for auction? Let us advise you!
If you are dealing with a stamp auction for the first time – for example, after inheriting a collection – it can be difficult to assess the value of your items. At Heinrich Köhler, we are here to help you achieve the best possible results at auction. In principle, we accept all types of philatelic estates, provided a minimum estimated value of 2,000 euros is met.
Which areas were collected, and from which period?
For German collections, more specific details such as “German Empire,” “German Colonies,” “Old German States,” or “stamps from the First and Second World Wars” can provide an initial rough classification.
Are certificates of authenticity included?
Certificates from the BPP or other internationally recognised expertising bodies help us determine the value of the collection with precision.
Were the stamps purchased at stamp auctions?
Previous auction results may indicate particularly interesting items.
What is the size of the collection?
A precise description such as “20 albums” is more helpful than vague statements like “many albums” and makes evaluation easier.
Feel free to contact us by phone. It is helpful if you have already gathered some initial information beforehand:
Stamp auction with Heinrich Köhler – first steps
Is your collection suitable for auction? Let us advise you!
If you are dealing with a stamp auction for the first time – for example, after inheriting a collection – it can be difficult to assess the value of your items. At Heinrich Köhler, we are here to help you achieve the best possible results at auction. In principle, we accept all types of philatelic estates, provided a minimum estimated value of 2,000 euros is met. Feel free to contact us by phone. It is helpful if you have already gathered some initial information beforehand:
TÜV-certified quality management system
At Heinrich Köhler, our income is based on the commissions we earn from successfully selling your stamps, so we always strive to achieve the best possible auction results. We see ourselves as your trusted partner. Contact us if you wish to sell old stamps – we offer comprehensive, non-binding, and free advice. Our quality management system is the first and only one in the world to be TÜV-certified according to DIN ISO 9001.
A strong sense of tradition combined with innovative methods makes us your expert philatelic partner for everything related to stamp auctions.
Stamp auctions at Heinrich Köhler – see for yourself!
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.