What is the value of an old Egyptian stamp that dates back to the reign of King Farouk?

Answer 1

A World Stamp Catalog is often a useful starting point, but they seldom give all the variants, so you may need a good catalog for the country concernced, or you may need to consult an expert. It's also useful to look on eBay, but please bear in mind that in some cases the 'same' stamp may have differences not visible on eBay, such as different watermarks. I suggest to use first the Scott's Catalog (go to your local library). Then you can go to E Bay; but Scott Catalog is the "Bible of Stamps," and you can have a very good idea about the price depending on the type of the stamp you have. You will need to know how to identify the different watermarks, color variations, different perforations, etc. Older stamps may be worth a bit more. High value stamps, the half dollar and up values, are rarer and worth more. To maximize your profits in stamps, you need to fully identify the stamp, including knowing the catalog number, perferations, watermarks, condition and other factors. If you look it up in the catalog there is a price listed. That price is what a buyer should expect to pay a dealer for the stamp. If you are selling, you should consider yourself lucky if you get half that amount. Selling or buying a single stamp is usually not worth the effort to a dealer unless it has a high catalog value. They can make their profits on buying in bulk and selling them in smaller lots. Look for special markings. Stamps on envelopes can be worth more, particularly with picture cancellations, First Day Cancellations and special locations. Find a philatelist and ask for more information!