Winter is just about over in North central Texas – we are having highs in the mid-50’s to mid 60’s now and the trees and plants are greening again. Watching the weather in other areas of our country I am congratulating myself on last year’s move from Illinois. I have daughters in st Louis and Chicago and they have been reporting miserable weather all winter. I have started a raised garden and already have four different plants growing!
For those of you who also shop on our web site – note that we have updated our on line listings of German state stamps through Hanover and for our post WWII local issues.
This month we have updated our German states list Part I which includes stamps from Baden through Brunswick. Next month we will update our Austria Part 2 price list which includes semi-postals through the back of the book issues. Our last list was published several years ago so you will lots of new material on this list. We are also working on our German states list Part 2 and will probably have it ready for May.

2018 Year Sets

We have year sets now for 2018 complete either NH or used.
Germany complete ** or U is $187.
Austria ** or used is $241
Luxemburg ** or used is $ 71
Note that Austria really got carried away in 2018. In recent years they have been issuing more regular high denomination issues each year. It sure seems that they are taking advantage of collectors as there are far fewer postal patrons in Austria than Germany.
Exchange Rate
In March 2017 the Euro equaled $1.06 US. In March 2018 the Eurowas worth $1.22. This March the Euro is at $1.14. The Euro continues to fluctuate significantly in recent years. The stronger Euro makes buying in European auctions significantly more expensive for US customers.

SELLING YOUR COLLECTION

I receive many inquiries asking me for help in selling collections. Most inquiries come from family members who have inherited a collection. Most often they have no stamp collecting experience and little or no idea of the value of the inherited collection.
If you are a stamp collector you should maintain an inventory of your stamp collection for no other reason than to provide your family with a clue to the value of your collection. An inventory with catalog numbers and either purchase price or catalog values provides an excellent start for family members to know what to do with the collection.
A smart way to keep an inventory now is using your computer spreadsheet. It is easy to set up, record data, and easy to update. If you maintain a spreadsheet you should also print it out periodically and keep a copy in a safe place like your safety deposit box or home safe. You can also keep a copy with your stamp collection.
I have received collections accompanied by printed inventories listing items in the collection. Listing catalog numbers, whether the items are NH, hinged or used and their condition makes valuing the stamps a snap.
If you are not the and have no inventory and no idea what a collection is worth there are several places to go to get a start. Look up your local stamp clubs on line and then show up at one of their club meetings with stamps in tow. I am sure there will be knowledgeable collectors there who will like to give you an idea of what you have. You can also take the stamps to your local stamp dealer (if you have one). Most stamp dealers will give you a rough estimate of the value of your collection at no charge. Lastly you can visit your local library and look for the 6 volume set of Scott Stamp catalogs. If your collection is in a stamp album, the stamps are most likely sequenced in the same order that they are listed in the Scott catalogs. You can look for the price of your stamps in the catalogs. Keep in mind that the catalog prices are retail prices for stamps in fine/very fine condition. If you sell your stamps to a dealer you will get 25-50% of the catalog value for fine/very fine stamps and less for stamps in lesser condition.
Once you have at least a ball park idea of the value of your collection you are ready to sell. If you have a collection from a specific country or group of countries seek a dealer who specializes in that area. If your collection is worth thousands rather than hundreds of dollars you might consign your collection to an auction house. Auctions have the advantage of offering your stamps to many potential buyers but most auction houses don’t want to handle inexpensive collections as the selling process is costly.
Another suggestion is see if you can determine where the collector bought his stamps. If you can offer the collection to a dealer who sold the stamps to the collector you well might get a better price. I have been a dealer for 45 years and have bought back the same collection more than once!
Contact us at:
R Schneider Stamps
PO Box 978
Iowa Park TX 76367
OFFICE 940 213 5004
FAX 940 213 3596
Email: RschneiderStamps@gmail.com