About
Corbitt Stamps is one of the UK's most reputable philatelic and numismatic auction houses, founded over 45 years ago and headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England. Their services span the full lifecycle of collectibles ownership — from discovering rare items via their online shop and live auctions, to buying, selling, and obtaining expert valuations for insurance or probate. They hold approximately four stamp auctions per year, along with regular coin, medal, and cigarette card auctions, all open to both private collectors and professional dealers. Auction catalogues are published on their website roughly one month before each sale, and bids can be submitted in person, by post, phone, fax, email, or through an online bid form. The online shop features thousands of items including world stamps, banknotes, autographs, and coins across a wide range of budgets. Corbitt Stamps also attends major collectors' fairs and exhibitions throughout the year, providing opportunities to view upcoming auction lots in advance. Their knowledgeable staff offer friendly, personalised service and are experienced in handling entire collections through public auction, private treaty sale, or direct purchase. With a global client base and decades of auction expertise, Corbitts is a trusted destination for serious collectors and estate executors alike.
Key Features
- Regular Public Auctions: Holds approximately four stamp auctions and one coin/medal auction per year, with online catalogues published around one month in advance.
- Online Shop: Thousands of stamps, banknotes, autographs, cigarette cards, and coins available for direct purchase at a range of price points.
- Multiple Bidding Methods: Accepts bids in person, by post, phone, fax, email, or via an online bid form — making auctions accessible to collectors worldwide.
- Buying, Selling & Valuations: Provides professional valuations for insurance and probate, and purchases collections via public auction, private treaty, or outright purchase.
- Collectors' Fairs & Exhibitions: Attends major collectors' fairs throughout the year, offering pre-auction lot viewing, on-site valuations, and lot consignment.
Use Cases
- Purchasing rare world stamps, coins, and banknotes through live auctions or the online shop
- Selling an inherited or personal stamp or coin collection via auction or direct purchase
- Obtaining a professional valuation of a philatelic or numismatic collection for insurance or probate
- Attending collectors' fairs to preview upcoming auction lots and meet specialist staff in person
- Sourcing autographs, cigarette cards, postcards, and other collectible ephemera for a growing collection
Pros
- 45+ Years of Established Reputation: A long-standing and internationally recognised auction house with a loyal global clientele built over decades.
- Flexible Participation Options: Collectors can engage through live auctions, an online shop, or collectors' fairs — with bids accepted by multiple channels.
- Full-Service Collectibles Partner: Handles everything from valuations to selling entire collections, making it a one-stop destination for collectors and estate executors.
Cons
- Limited Auction Frequency: With only around four stamp auctions per year, buyers and sellers may face long waits between sales cycles.
- Primarily UK-Based Physical Presence: The retail shop and in-person services are located solely in Newcastle upon Tyne, limiting local access for international clients.
- No Real-Time Online Bidding Stated: Bidding appears to be primarily pre-submitted rather than through live online auction streaming, which may be less convenient for some collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Corbitt Stamps holds approximately four stamp auctions and one coin and medal auction per year. Auction catalogues are published on their website around one month before each sale date.
Bids can be submitted in person at their Newcastle shop, by post, phone, fax, email, or via the online bid form available on their website when a catalogue is active.
Yes. Corbitt Stamps purchases collections and accepts consignments for sale via public auction, private treaty, or outright purchase. You can contact them by phone or email to discuss your preferred method.
Yes. Corbitt Stamps provides professional valuations for both insurance and probate purposes for stamps, coins, and related collectibles.
Their shop is in Newcastle upon Tyne, a short walk from Newcastle railway station. They also have a fully operational online shop with thousands of stamps, banknotes, autographs, and coins available for direct purchase.