If you decide that you do not wish to take up stamp collecting the next step is to determine the value of the collection.  Most collectors collected stamps because of the enjoyment of the hobby.  Most collection are built up from stamps from mail and will usually be the most the common values.  As a result most of these collections are not worth a fortune.  Many people over value the collection in their possession, you should remember that just because a stamp is old does not mean that it is valuable as many old stamps were produce in large numbers.  The value of the stamp is determined by both supply and demand and its condition.  A stamp which was printed in very large numbers will rarely have much value.  Also a stamp which is very rare is of little value if there are few people wishing to buy it. Many people are unaware of Stamp Catalogues.  In valuing stamps from a catalogues, it needs to be understood that the dealers need to make a profit on purchase and will normally buy a stamp at a fraction of the catalogue prices, which is mostly a dealer's selling price.  You also to be aware that the condition of a stamp is very important in determining its value.  Damage stamps, for example, are usually of no value unless the stamp is exceedly rare.

On the other hand many valuable collections have been disposed of by relative who are not aware of their value.  There have been occasions where valuable stamps have been disposed of by relatives who are not aware of their value.  There have been occasions where valuable stamps have been destroyed because collectors have told their  spouse that their collection is of ' no value' in order to avoid criticism of the money they have spent on their hobby.

Never ever throw out a stamp collection just because you don't want it.  There is always someone who would like the stamps, no matter what the value.

This article was published in the Dudley park Bowling Clubs newsletter 'The Doing'  Thank you Dick for  permission to reproduce this article.