About
Rasdale Stamp Company has been a trusted name in philately and collectibles since 1932, making it the oldest family-owned stamp auction house in the United States. Based in Westmont, Illinois, the company conducts regular public auctions featuring stamps, coins, currency, covers, essays, proofs, specimens, literature, and other popular collectibles. Each auction is cataloged and made available online, with pre-auction bidding accepted by mail, fax, phone, and website before transitioning to live auction sessions held over two days. The company's proprietary Rasdale Live Auction platform enables real-time interactive bidding online, allowing internet participants to compete directly against floor bidders. A dedicated research department and team of category experts provide thorough lot descriptions and appraisals, ensuring accuracy and trust in every transaction. For sellers, consigning a collection is streamlined — simply contact Rasdale to get started, and the team manages the process from cataloging to sale. Past auction results and prices realized are publicly available, offering full market transparency for collectors. Whether you are a seasoned philatelist, a coin collector, or an estate executor looking to liquidate a collection, Rasdale Stamp Company provides professional, full-service auction support backed by nearly a century of family expertise.
Key Features
- Live Online Bidding: Rasdale Live Auction allows internet bidders to participate in real-time alongside floor bidders, competing for lots interactively during auction sessions.
- Multi-Channel Pre-Auction Bidding: Submit bids via mail, fax, phone, or the website before auction day closes, giving collectors maximum flexibility to participate remotely.
- Wide Collectibles Catalog: Each auction features stamps, coins, currency, covers, essays, proofs, specimens, literature, and more, catering to diverse collector interests.
- Transparent Prices Realized: Full results and prices realized for past auctions are published online, providing market data and pricing transparency for buyers and sellers.
- Consignment & Sell Services: Sellers can easily consign their collections with the support of Rasdale's expert team and research department for accurate cataloging and maximum returns.
Use Cases
- Collectors looking to purchase rare stamps, coins, or philatelic items through competitive public auctions.
- Estate executors or individuals seeking to sell inherited or accumulated collectible collections at fair market value.
- Philatelists and numismatists who want to research market prices using historical auction results and prices realized.
- Remote buyers who want to participate in live auction events from anywhere via real-time online bidding.
- Dealers and investors looking to acquire bulk lots of stamps, coins, or collectibles at auction prices.
Pros
- Nearly 100 Years of Expertise: Founded in 1932, Rasdale brings unmatched institutional knowledge and collector trust as the oldest family-owned stamp auction house in the US.
- Real-Time Online Participation: The Rasdale Live Auction platform lets remote bidders compete head-to-head with floor bidders, making geographic location no barrier to winning lots.
- Full-Service for Sellers: From consignment to cataloging and auction management, Rasdale handles the entire selling process with expert support.
Cons
- Phone Bidding Not Available During Live Sessions: Once the live auction begins, phone bidding is no longer supported — participants must use the online platform or attend in person.
- Registration Lead Time Required: Bidders must register at least 72 hours before the live auction, which may be inconvenient for last-minute participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I place a bid at Rasdale Stamp Company?
You can place pre-auction bids by mail, fax, phone, or through the website until the pre-auction deadline. For live bidding, register on the website at least 72 hours before the auction and participate via the Rasdale Live Auction platform.
Can I bid online in real time?
Yes. Rasdale Live Auction is a real-time interactive bidding platform that lets you compete against floor bidders and other internet participants during live auction sessions.
How do I sell my stamp or coin collection?
Contact Rasdale Stamp Company via the 'Sell Your Collection' section on their website or call (630) 794-9900. Their team will guide you through the consignment process.
What types of items are sold in Rasdale auctions?
Rasdale auctions include stamps, coins, currency, blocks, covers, essays, literature, proofs, and specimens, among other popular collectibles.
Where can I find results from past auctions?
Past auction results and prices realized are published on the Rasdale website, offering full transparency into market values and previously sold lots.
