Collection of Assorted Used and Unused United States Postage Stamps Appraisal
Category: Stamps
Description
This is a collection of used and unused postage stamps from the United States. The stamps vary in size, color, and denomination, with a mix of commemorative and definitive issues. Observable images on the stamps include portraits of historical figures such as presidents (including what appears to be George Washington and Abraham Lincoln), images of buildings (such as Monticello), symbols (like a ship and an eagle), and scenes (potentially from historical events or holidays). Some stamps exhibit cancellations, indicating they have been used. The condition of the stamps varies, with some appearing relatively clean and others showing wear, creasing, or edge damage. Several stamps have visible perforations around the edges, a standard feature of postage stamps. The color palette is broad, including reds, oranges, blues, greens, purples, and brown tones. The collection does not appear to be organized in any particular order or mounted in an album. There are no easily discernible maker's marks or signatures on the stamps themselves, as is typical of standard postage stamps. The mixture of designs and denominations suggests a casual collection spanning multiple decades of US postal history. The quality and craftsmanship are consistent with standard government-issued postage stamps, although the level of detail and artistic merit varies between the different stamp designs. Some stamps show signs of being removed from envelopes, with residual paper or glue on the back. The variety suggests a collection likely built over time, potentially by someone interested in general philately rather than a specific niche.
Appraisal Report
Based on my visual examination of the provided images of this collection of assorted used and unused United States postage stamps, I can see a mix of definitive and commemorative issues spanning various decades. The condition of the stamps varies considerably, ranging from relatively clean to showing significant wear, creasing, cancellations, and what appears to be residual paper or glue on the backs from being removed from envelopes. Authenticity appears consistent with standard government-issued postage stamps; however, without physical inspection, confirming the authenticity of specific stamps (especially potentially rarer or higher-value ones, if present, which is not evident from the sample visible) is limited. My assessment of condition is also based solely on the visible surfaces in the images. The market for mixed, unorganized collections of used US stamps like this is generally limited. Value is heavily dependent on the presence of key rarities, high-value denominations, or exceptionally well-preserved early issues, none of which are clearly discernible in the provided images. Comparables would be similar bulk lots of mixed US stamps sold on online auction platforms or in wholesale philatelic lots. Demand is low among serious collectors for such uncurated collections. Rarity cannot be determined without identifying each individual stamp. The primary factors impacting value here are the overall condition (mostly fair to poor for the visible stamps) and the lack of apparent key items. For full authentication and a precise valuation, an in-person examination would be crucial. This would allow for inspection of watermarks, paper types, gum condition (for unused stamps), cancellations, and the detection of any alterations or forgeries. Provenance documentation, if available, could also add to value, but is typically not present for such informal collections. Scientific testing (e.g., UV light examination) could also aid in identifying certain issues or potential repairs.
Appraisal Value
$10 - $25