The short version
- Typical range: £3 – £120
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Art & Collectibles
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used stamps is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for stampss, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £120 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £102 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £78 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £54 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £30 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a stamps
- Rare issues, errors and early classics
- Original gum on unused stamps
- Well-centred perforations with no short teeth
- Documented, catalogued collections
What lowers it
- Hinge marks and disturbed gum
- Thinning on the reverse from removal
- Short or missing perforations
- Common modern issues held in bulk
How to work out what yours is worth
- Check catalogue numbers for the issues you have
- Hold stamps to the light to reveal thinning
- Never soak or handle valuable stamps directly
Once you have those three answers you can place your own stamps on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Are old stamps worth much?
Most collections are worth far less than owners expect. Value concentrates in rare issues, errors and early classics.
What is a hinge mark?
Damage to the gum where a stamp was mounted with a hinge. Unhinged stamps with original gum are worth substantially more.
Should I sell a collection whole or in parts?
Valuable individual stamps almost always raise more separately. Bulk common material is better sold as a lot.
More value guides: art & collectibles guides · all value guides · browse live art & collectibles listings.