AboutJim Forte Expertise Postal history concerns the stamps, markings, rates and routings on covers. Covers is the generic term for any letter, postcard or package that passed through the mail. I am a professional philatelist who specialize in U.S. and Worldwide postal history. I have extensive knowledge of U.S. postmarks and post offices, extensive knowledge of U.S. military postal history, strong knowledge of U.S. rates and usages of the 20th Century. I can usually help with inquires about 19th Century postal history, and all range of countries throughout the world.
Experience I have been a full time professional philatelist since 1985. The focus of my business is my website, http://www.postalhistory.com. The site offers nearly 115,000 items for sale. The site contains an on-line copy of my book A Price Guide To U.S. A.P.O. Cancels of the Second World War. The site also contains a database of every U.S. post office, including the dates of operation for the many offices that have been discontinued.
Expert: Jim Forte Date: 7/5/2008 Subject: Peruvian Stamps
Question I just found several old Peruvian Stamps collected by my grandfather. Most of them seem to be from before 1950. How can I find out how much they are worth?
Answer The Scott Postage Stamp Catalog lists and prices almost every know stamp.
You should be able to find a copy in your local library.
You can also look to see if there is a stamp store in your area. You can get a goof indication there. Even if there is no stamp store, there may be a stamp show nearby. At a show, you can get the opinion of several dealers.
Age is not an accurate predictor of value. Many stamp issue over 100 years ago are quite common.
