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Stamp Auctions: Online Philatelic Auctions

January 09, 2019

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Since philately as a study is still developing, some fundamental information is unavailable to the general public. It is yet not known which of the auction houses was the first to introduce online stamp sales. It is a well-known fact that eBay was the first platform to conduct online auctions in general and to offer various items for online sales. Nevertheless, there is no credible information regarding the very first online philatelic auctions. It may be assumed that such major companies as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, David Feldman and Heinrich Koehler auction houses, Corinphila were among the first ones to offer live trading. However, this information is to be checked in the future. This quick overview intends to introduce to the reader some of the most popular online stamp auctions across the globe. This list is quite long, yet, it is not exhaustive.

Europe

A. Karamitsos

Greek philatelic auction house, which is recognized all across the globe. This auctioneer will be of particular interest to philatelists specializing in postage stamps of Greece, Yugoslavia, Turkey, and Cyprus.

Argyll Etkin

English philatelic auction, which was founded in 1958. The company holds regular auctions of classic stamps and postal history of Asia, Russia, America, Australia, Europe, and the British Isles.

David Feldman

The site of an international auction house and a postage stamp store founded by David Feldman in the mid-20th century. Stamps and postal items from all continents and countries are offered.

DT Stamps

Swedish auction house and shop for selling postage stamps. Although it was founded in 1995, it is not that popular even among philatelists from Scandinavia. Almost 90% of lots are stamps of China.

Heinrich Köhler

One of the oldest European auction houses. The most famous collectors of the early 20th century, such as Ferrari and Fabergé, used the services of the Heinrich Köhler auction house.

Huutokauppa

Finnish website for online auctions organized by the famous Finnish philatelic company Suomen Filateliapalvelu Oy.

Mascoo

French auction website for online bidding; offers various categories of collectibles. At this site, you can sell or buy stamps as well as exchange those with other collectors.

Philashop

Philatelic online auctions of the Czech Republic. One of the oldest European auctions of postage stamps, which will be of interest to expert-level collectors as it provides the opportunity to sell or purchase quite rare stamps.

Rav-Auktion

Danish highly-specialized philatelic auction. The firm mainly offers postage stamps of Germany, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and sometimes you can find blocks, themed series of stamps and complete collections from many countries of the world.

Sandafayre

English online auction of postage stamps. It is loved by many avid philatelists as it combines true English conservatism accompanied by modern web technologies.

StampCircuit

Israeli online marketplace for passionate stamp collectors. The main specialization is philately, but there is also a section for coin collectors.

Universal Philatelic Auctions

Philatelic online and offline auction. The first events were held starting from 1958. Since 2007, eBay services have been integrated into the trading system.

Russia

Invest Collect

An online auction with a variety of themes and specializations; however, the emphasis is made on selling stamps, envelopes, postcards, so it may be recommended to philatelists as well.

Philatelist

The site offers postage stamps and postcards, accessories for collectibles. All expensive stamps and postage have certificates of authenticity signed by well-known and recognized experts.

Postmark

Online auction of postage stamps, which was created by several members of the club of philatelists of Moscow. The material put up for auction is estimated at 40-60% of the Michel catalog.

USA

Cherrystone

One of the world's largest philatelic auction houses in the world. The company's headquarters is in New York. Sales are held in classic sessions using modern technology.

HipStamp

One of the largest international platforms, which was launched in March 2005. In 2009, rebranding was carried out, and the scope of the auction house was expanded, but in 2016, the firm returned to its main line of business, which is philately.

Canada

Jace Stamps

One of the oldest and most popular online philatelic auctions. Postage stamps of all existing and no longer existing states from the time of the Penny Black to the most cutting-edge stamps with holographic printing. Nevertheless, the focus of the company is on stamps of Canada.

Asia

Çankaya Müzayede

Postage stamps, envelopes, blocks, and cancels of modern Turkey, the Ottoman Empire as well as Arab, Iranian, and Egyptian stamps. The philatelic auction house was launched in 2017, but it has already acquired a large number of regular users.

John Bull

Hong Kong auction house founded in the 70s of the 20th century as a philatelic shop. With the development of business, the company also began to conduct auction sales. Since 2012, the company has become part of the World Philately Network, which allowed it to enter the new, international market.