How in UK can I get a stamp collection valued genuinely, not by a dealer who takes advantage of my ignorance?

Jim's answer is good if you have loads of time to spend checking out each individual stamp. Even then, what a dealer sells for and what you would actually get for each stamp can be a world apart - a dealer would recognise quality etc immediately. You wouldn't. Also, at the end of the day a collection is only worth what someone wants to pay for it.

Try approaching an auction house. See if they will give you a rough idea of what it is worth, then you can put it up for auction with a reserve price, so you don't have to let it go too cheaply. But remember that there will be a charge whether it sells or not. You have to balance that against the fact that a valuer would charge for giving a valuation.

Prepare to be disappointed - stamp collections fetch very little money unless there are some rare stamps in there.

There has never been a set value for any collective items. The big things is that some items are more collectable than the other. If you are not familiar with this trade, don't put money in it. In order for a stamp to have good value, the stamp has to be, (1) In perfect condition, unblemished, no wrinkle, (2) Generated for a special memorable event, (3) Limited quantity, (4) Has post mark.

Your best bet is to see what the stamps are selling for. You could for instance go to a dealer and inquire about buying the stamps in question rather then selling them. Get the stamp appraised by one dealer then ask another one what it would cost to purchase. Take note about the quality and rarity during the appraisal. At the end of the day you will get a better price selling to an individual then selling to a buyer. They must make a certain profit off of merchandise for their services. This will also give you an idea of their markup. Then you can have the stamps appraised by the dealer and calculate the markup to get a rough estimate of actual value.

There are many stamp auction companies. They have an interest in achieving the best prices for you because their commission depends on it. Other dealers may not be interested in the collection. I suggest you buy a copy of 'Stamp' magazine and contact one of the many auction companies advertising there. Some will even visit you!

Google Stanley Gibbons. The oldest stamp dealing company in the UK.

photograph your stamps and ensure you have a duplicate of the days paper with the date on it interior the photograph. consistent with hazard place the stamps on the paper. That way you are able to instruct while the photographs have been taken. additionally insist on staying with the valuer while the valuation is being achieved. maximum of all do no longer believe every person!

http://www.valuemystuff.com/what-we-value/stamps