1
Photograph the stamp
Scan one stamp at a time in even light, straight from above, with all perforations visible in the frame.
Free First Appraisal Step
Free Online Stamp Appraisal: Start With a Photo
An online stamp appraisal starts with identifying the exact stamp, then shows an estimated value range. It tells you which stamps deserve a closer look, and a professional appraisal remains the standard for insurance, estates and significant sales.
Free to download. Premium subscription required for full features.
How a Free Online Stamp Appraisal Works
Three steps turn a box of unknown stamps into a shortlist worth researching further.
2
Confirm the identification
An appraisal is only as good as the identification. Check country, year, denomination and design before reading any value.
3
Read the estimated range
StampSnap shows an estimated value range and rarity context per stamp. Treat it as a research starting point, not a certified figure.
Online Valuation vs Professional Appraisal
Both have a place. Use the free online step to sort and shortlist, and a professional when the outcome has real financial consequences.
Online estimate
- Instant result from a photo, one stamp at a time
- Free first check across a whole box or album
- Estimated value range plus rarity and issue context
- Best for sorting, shortlisting and learning
Professional appraisal
- In-person examination of paper, gum, watermark and repairs
- Written valuation accepted for insurance, probate and sale
- Authentication and certificates for rare varieties
- Best for high estimates, errors and formal paperwork
When You Need a Professional Stamp Appraisal
Move beyond the free online step in these situations, and keep the stamp unchanged in the meantime.
Insurance and estate
Insurers, courts and estate settlements usually require a written appraisal from a recognized appraiser or dealer, not an app estimate.
Authentication
Rare classics, errors and overprints often need expert examination and a certificate before any serious buyer will pay full value.
A significant sale
If an online estimate suggests real value, an auction house or specialist dealer can confirm the variety and advise on the best way to sell.
Disputed or unclear varieties
Watermarks, perforation measurements, paper types and repairs can change the catalog identity and are hard to judge from a photo alone.
Curious how a photo-based check works in practice? See the stamp value scanner guide or browse stamp value guides for well-known issues.
Stamp Appraisal FAQ
How can I get a stamp appraisal online for free?
Start with a photo-based identification and estimated value range. StampSnap is free to download and try, with premium required for full features. For a formal written appraisal you will still need a professional appraiser or dealer.
What is the difference between an online valuation and a professional appraisal?
An online valuation is an instant estimate based on a photo and reference data. A professional appraisal is a documented opinion of value from an expert who examines the stamp in person, checks authenticity and condition, and can issue paperwork accepted for insurance, estates and sales.
Is an app-based stamp valuation accurate?
It depends on the photo and the stamp. Watermarks, perforation measurements, gum condition and repairs may not be visible in a photo, and similar-looking varieties can differ greatly in value. Use the estimate as a range and verify promising stamps with a specialist.
Do I need an appraisal before selling my stamps?
Not always. For common material, recent sold prices give a realistic picture. For stamps that appear rare or valuable, an independent appraisal or auction-house estimate helps you avoid selling far below market value.
How should I prepare stamps for an appraisal?
Do not clean, soak, press or remove stamps from covers or albums. Store them dry and handle them with care, ideally with stamp tongs. Alterations that seem cosmetic can permanently reduce value.
Can I appraise a whole collection at once?
Scan stamps one at a time for the most reliable identifications, and save them to your collection in the app as you go. For large inherited collections, an experienced dealer can often triage what deserves individual attention.