HOW TO SELL

How to Sell at Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's Auctions

Whether you've inherited albums, boxes, or suitcases full of collections you don't fully understand, or you're an experienced collector ready to find new homes for treasured items, our experienced team has been helping people unlock the value of their collections for over 150 years.

From forgotten attic discoveries to carefully curated lifetime passions, we'd be delighted to help you discover what your collection might achieve.

Simply tell us about your items, and we'll make the process smooth and straightforward from that first conversation through to payment in your account.

Thinking about selling?

Our specialists are here to help guide you through every step with care and expertise.

Request your free valuation

Roy Raftery TCG Valuation Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's

Getting started

Your free valuation options

We offer two convenient ways to discover what your collection might be worth.

Online valuation

Tell us about your collectables through our simple online form. We'd love to hear about what you have, and the more you can tell us, the better we can help you.

Valuation days

Join us at one of our regular exclusive valuation events, held at prestigious venues both nationally and internationally. These are perfect opportunities to meet our specialists face-to-face and get expert insights into your collection. Check our events page for upcoming valuation days near you.

Events & valuation days

Domic Chorney and Lina Fitzjames Coin Valuation Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's

We understand

Inherited collections

Dealing with a loved one's collection can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure what you're looking at or how to begin.

Our specialists have decades of experience helping families navigate inherited collections with sensitivity and expertise. We understand this isn't just about valuation - it's about honouring someone's passion and ensuring their treasures find appreciative new homes.

We're here to help with:

Collections stored in albums, boxes, bags, or any condition
Items you don't recognise or understand
Large estates that need professional assessment
Explaining what made the collection special to your loved one

Don't worry about the condition, organisation, or your own knowledge - just bring us everything, and we'll carefully sort through it all.

Preparing for your valuation

Information we'd find helpful

A brief overview of what you have (albums, boxes, loose items in a suitcase you found in the attic - anything)
Any history you know (family stories, memories, or why they were collected)
Size and quantity (even "lots of boxes" is helpful)
Rough age or period (if known)
Where they're from originally
Some photos (even phone photos of albums or storage boxes are fine)
Any documentation, certificates, or notes
For inherited collections: Don't worry if you know very little - we're experts at identifying what matters. Family stories and even vague memories can provide valuable context about what made these items special.

Think of this as a friendly chat rather than a formal assessment - we're genuinely interested in your collection's story.

Request Your Free Valuation Now

Philatelist Gabriel Gold valuation - Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's

Expert examination

Once we've had that initial conversation, we might invite you to bring your items to us at 399 Strand, London, WC2R 0LP, one of our nearby Valuation Days, or if you prefer, you can send them to us safely (we'll guide you on the most secure way to send and insure your items).

For larger collections, inherited estates, or high-value items, we offer complimentary home consultations with our senior specialists. We provide discreet valuation services and can help organise and assess collections in their current location.

Events & Valuation days

Consigning to auction

If you're happy with our valuation and want to proceed, we'll work together to decide how best to present your collection.

Sometimes individual pieces achieve stronger results as separate lots, while significant collections often command premium prices when presented together - our specialists will advise what's likely to achieve the best result for you.

Our specialists become storytellers for your items, researching their history, photographing them beautifully, and crafting descriptions that help potential buyers understand exactly why they're special.

We'll then assign your items to the most suitable upcoming auction and provide you with a detailed receipt covering commission rates, reserves, and all the terms and conditions.

Atrebates and Regini, Caratacus (c. AD 40-51) AV Stater, 5.35g.

See our upcoming auctions

View auctions

Advertising the auction

Your collection will feature in our printed catalogue (sent worldwide), on our website and social media, and in our targeted marketing to collectors who are actively seeking pieces like yours.

Your lots receive targeted exposure through Gibbons Stamp Monthly and specialist trade publications, while our digital marketing reaches serious collectors worldwide, including our database of high-net-worth individuals actively seeking premium pieces.We’ll also send details of your auction directly to relevant collectors and organisations.

We typically make online catalogues available three weeks before the sale, giving serious collectors plenty of time to research and plan their bidding.

On auction day

This is where months of preparation come together in an atmosphere of genuine excitement and anticipation.

Two weeks before the sale, we'll send you our pre-sales advice document, which is your seller information, and includes detailed lot descriptions and reserve confirmations to ensure you're fully informed about your consignment's positioning.

You're welcome to watch in person or follow the live stream online. There's always tremendous energy in the room, with bidders participating in person, by phone, and online, plus agents representing collectors worldwide. It's genuinely thrilling to watch your beloved items achieve strong results and find appreciative new custodians and homes.

FAQs - What to expect after the sale

Within seven days of the auction, we'll send you a detailed statement showing final hammer prices, buyer premiums achieved, and analysis of your lots' performance. Results are also published on our website, so you can see exactly what happened to each piece.

You'll receive payment by bank transfer within 35 days of the auction (subject to us receiving payment from buyers), minus our agreed commission.

We work on a simple, transparent commission basis that we'll agree with you before your items go to auction. For significant collections, we're happy to discuss terms that reflect their importance. Everything is discussed upfront so you know exactly what to expect. Commission is subject to standard UK VAT.

If any items don't sell (it happens occasionally), we'll discuss the options with you, including private treaty sales, revised estimates for future auctions, or connections with specialist collectors. Often, pieces can be offered again in a future sale with adjusted estimates, and sometimes we receive post-sale offers that might interest you.

We're here for you

Ready to start the conversation?

Consigning a valuable collection is a significant decision, whether it's a lifetime's careful curation or a treasured inheritance. Our team understands both the emotional attachment and financial implications involved, and we're committed to making sure you feel completely supported and confident throughout the entire process.