Imperial era postage stamps

[Annie]

I was  lucky enough today to recieve the stamp collection of an elderly relative who did not want it and literally gave it away. There were stamps from all over the world, none very impressive looking, but the Russian ones excited me because one had the face of Nicholas II, one the face of Alexander II and 4 have the Imperial Romanov eagle and some writing. Does anyone know if any of these are valuable?

[Robert_Hall]

Annie, in a word- no.
You can go to the library and check the Scott catalogues to see approximate value, but they are fairly common, especially used. There is a set of Tercentarary stamps that could fetch a decent price, but again, it is not difficult to find.
There also are some 'postage stamp countries" that issued  sets on the Imperial family at the time of the reburial. They are pretty, nothing really fantasic and also, be careful not to be misled- not hard to find.
I have all that I mentioned, and aquired them in a very short amount of time.
Cheers,

Robert

[Annie]

This was from a collection that has not been added to since the early 1950's so I know it's not recent. I'm not looking for a fortune, and I wouldn't even want to sell them because I want to keep them. The book has hundreds of stamps from all countries, and if I could get even $1 for each stamp I'd consider selling most of them (I am in need of funds!) Where should I start looking for buyers and values?

[Robert_Hall]

Well, $1 per stamp, I am sorry to say, is unrealistic.  Depending on condition and sheer number, a dealer will look to breaking up a collection, pull the few worthwhile and sell the rest in "grab bags" for pennies apiece.
Is there a stamp dealer in your town? [here in SF there is only one left !] They usually will buy by weight, if it is a mixed, i.e. not specialised collection. What album are they in? sometimes the pages can be more useful than the stamps ! Sometimes the publisher is long out of business and it is difficult for collectors to find the fill-in pages they need.
If it is not too heavy to tote around, make an appointment with a dealer for an appraisal. Otherwise, see if they will come to you.
Stamp magazines  always advertise  "we will buy your collection ! Be wary of these, at it involves you paying postage, recieving an offer that is extremely low, and just saying yes to avoid the hassle of having it back !!
Go to a stamp show !! they are interesting, and you will meet people interested in looking at your collection and give you honest advise, whether they are interested in buying it or not.
Hope this helps,
Robert

[Forum Admin]

There is a guide called "Scott's" that lists mosts stamps and approximate retail values. It can be found at most larger bookstores. After checking Scott's against your collection, realize that you might only get half the retail value for most stamps if you sold them, then take it to three local stamp dealers for evaluation and perhaps an offer.
From my experience, depending on condition and whether cancelled or not, you would be doing well to even get a dollar a stamp, unless there are some genuine rarities in the collection.

[Robert_Hall]

FA, Scott's is the US standard for valuation for sure. That is why I suggesta library. Those catalogues are  about &50 each, 6 volumes for world and that does not even include the US !!  If worthwhile,  you can sometimes find them used at stamp stores and Amazon. Since this collection does not go beyond the "50's" it would not be worth the investment in catalogues I feel.
Best,
Robert

[Robert_Hall]

Sorry that is $50.00 each !!

[Annie]

Sigh. Thanks but

Well, how much could I get for the whole collection together in 2 books, minus the Tsar and Kaiser ones which I'm keeping?

[Forum Admin]

True enough Robert, I've been out of stamp collecting for over 20 years now, and didnt realize Scott's has gotten so costly. But, that is also why I suggested taking it out to several dealers for quotes...some dealers will allow you to look thru their Scotts catalogue if you ask nicely.

Without knowing exactly what is in the collection, there is simply no way to even give you a ballpark estimate of value.
For starters, a cancelled stamp is almost valueless unless extremely rare. so forget anything for cancelled stamps beyond a few pennies each. European stamps of the 20s 30s and 40s are not worth much either, generally speaking, even when pristine and uncancelled, perhaps 25 cents or so. even 19th century stamps are often not worth more than a dollar either, so good luck at the library!

[Robert_Hall]

As an example, your "tsar" stamps are 1913,  2 of 18 in the set.  the only Russian Empire sets to show the Emperors and Empresses.  Unused, in fine condition, they are catalogued for 30 cents eacxh, meaning a dealer may pay half that.
[if he is in a good mood and takes pity on you]. That is the Scott 2000 catalogue price.
Canceled, half that.
Do try to go to a dealer.  They can tell within minutes what you have and sale value.
One of my collections is Bulgaria, 1879-2003, every stamp issued. I put a great deal into it, would be lucky to get at least half of that if I were to sell it.
Another thought is just to donate it to a school or library.
Best,
Robert

[Annie]

No if I'm not getting any money I'll just keep them :-/ maybe when my kids are old they might be worth something.