Look and see if you can find which of the countries it is from (which could include foreign as well as local countries) and try to identify where it is from and the date that the stamp first originated from. This information shouldn’t be hard to find and should easily identifiable on the stamp itself.
Is there an inscription on the stamp? This is the exciting, investigative part that most British stamp collectors would get the ultimate thrill out of doing. Look for any unique numbers, letters or words on the stamp, these are lots of the types of indicators that you can use in your search to find out where the stamp originated from.
Does the stamp have any watermarks? You can test if the stamp has any watermarks by testing it in a watermark tray to see if a watermark materializes. You can then research and match the watermark’s design using a British stamp catalogue.
What determines the prices that a particular stamp collection can fetch?
There are lots of factors that will influence the value of a stamp that is largely centred around the appearance of the stamp. This will in turn affect the highest prices that can be realised at stamp auctions.
Is the stamp properly centred?
The centering of the image on the stamp is important as this factor will have a direct impact on its bid amount at auctions. The design and margins should be balanced and equal in relation to the rest of the design. If there are any irregularities present on the stamp this would most likely have occurred as a result of deviations in the perforation process. There is an exemption to this rule however with stamps made from 1867 that were purposely made as imperforate stamps.
What philatelic condition is the stamp in?
The condition of the stamp is obviously one of the most important factors with standards ranging form superb to fine and lastly good with good being the minimal standard of acceptance depending on the severity of is imperfections. It is therefore in your best interests to please safeguard these rare treasures to ensure that they are preserved in the best condition so that you are able to get the highest bid possible.
Is there lots of gum present on the stamp?
The quantity and presence of gum on the stamp will also be assessed. The more gum that is present on the stamp, the more valuable the stamp is at auctions.
How rare is the stamp?
Stamps with inconsistencies in its design point to the rarity of the stamp as these were more than likely produced in smaller batches. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find these however as many of these are highly sought after and are bid on the most by the most avid of stamp collectors at auctions.