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Stamp Identifier

Free online tool

Stamp value scanner

Upload or take a photo of a stamp. We check the photo right away, and the free iPhone app gives you the identification and value range.

How to photograph a stamp so it can be identified

  1. 1

    Use daylight from a window. Avoid flash: it creates glare on gloss and on stamp hinges.

  2. 2

    Lay the stamp flat on plain white or black paper. Patterned tablecloths confuse the edge detection.

  3. 3

    Fill most of the frame with the stamp and keep all perforation teeth visible.

  4. 4

    Photograph one stamp at a time. For a block or a cover, start with the clearest stamp.

  5. 5

    Hold the phone parallel to the stamp so the design is not distorted.

What happens to your photo

On this page, the scanner checks light, focus and size inside your browser. The photo is not uploaded. The full identification runs in the Stamp Identifier app, which compares the design, inscriptions, perforation and color with its catalog data.

What decides a stamp's value

Identity
The exact issue and catalog number. Two stamps that look alike can differ in price by a factor of a hundred because of watermark or perforation.
Condition
Tears, thins, creases and faded color lower the price. Mint stamps with original gum are worth more than used ones.
Centering
A design that sits evenly between the perforations earns a premium, especially on classic issues.
Cancellation
A light, clear postmark is better than a heavy smudge. Some rare postmarks add value.
Demand
Popular countries and themes sell faster and closer to catalog value.

Related guides

Scanner questions

Is the online stamp scanner free?

Yes. The web scanner is free and needs no account. The iPhone app is free to download and includes free scans.

Why do I need the app for the result?

Identification compares your stamp with a large catalog and works best with the phone camera, which can retake the photo in seconds. The app also saves each stamp to your collection.

Can I scan stamps from my computer?

You can check a photo here on any computer. To get the identification, scan the QR code with an iPhone or iPad and photograph the stamp in the app.

Do you keep my photo?

Not on this page. The photo check runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.

Find out what is in your album

Photograph a stamp, see what it is and what it is worth, and keep every stamp in one organized collection. Your first scans are free.

Download on theApp Store

For iPhone and iPad with iOS 16.6 or later.