Collection Donations

The Spellman Museum welcomes donations of beginner, advanced, and specialized collections of U.S. and Worldwide stamps, covers, and postal history.

Donated materials may be accessioned into the Museum’s collection or used for educational programs.  Items excess to these purposes may be sold in the store or at auction. Revenue generated supports public programs, operations, and exhibits. Click here for the museum’s Statement on the Sale of Stamps and Philatelic Literature.

Collections need not be well organized but must be free of mold, infestations, and water damage. Prospective donors are asked to call or email the Museum with information about their collection (ex.–number of boxes or binders, scope, condition) and to make arrangements.

Materials accepted for donation may be deducted at their fair market value. Please note that the Museum cannot establish this value; the obligation to do so rests with the donor.

EVALUATIONS

The Spellman Museum offers collection evaluation services by appointment. For a fee, one of our experienced evaluators can be retained to review and assess a collection, providing their opinion as to its general worth. They can also issue a receipt if the owner/authorized representative decides to donate the collection to the Museum. Evaluations are typically done at the museum, however, they can be done remotely, as well.

Evaluation fees are typically $50 to start and may increase, depending upon the size and complexity of the material. Please note that an evaluation is a general estimate, and is not a legally-binding appraisal. If you are interested in an evaluation, please use the links below to be connected to one of our highly skilled reviewers!

appraisals

If a legally-binding appraisal for tax purposes is sought, the Spellman Museum team can recommend a qualified stamp dealer or independent appraiser. Contact the Museum at 781-768-8367 or by email for this referral or to schedule an evaluation.