Charles is a scholarly gentleman who spent quite a bit of time examining the stamp collection I presented to him. He was very thorough and detailed in his review and appraisal. He helped me understand what makes a stamp valuable to collectors and he also applied this knowledge in his valuation of my collection. I am grateful for his experience and expertise. This was a very educational and worthwhile visit. I highly recommend visiting The Stamp King for all of your philatelic/stamp/postage needs. read more

Charles is a pleasure to deal with. He spends as much time as you want to learn about stamps and coins. He has everything you need and always goes the extra mile to see that you are satisfied. Highly recommend the Stamp King to any stamp collectors. read more

The owner took a quick look.at my albums and said he had no interest. The facility is small and cramped. Not a neat and orderly place

Needed a specific used stamp album and Mr. Berg was able to source one for me at a reasonable price. Went out of his way to look for the rest of the set and offered to contact the manufacturer as well. He is extremely knowledgeable, and customer service focused. Highly recommended. read more

Excellent stamp and coin shop. I recently visited this shop to sell my grandmother's huge stamp collection. The owner was very polite, honest, fair, and a true gentleman too. He was exceptionally happy to see me and spent hours going through the boxes of stamps. All and all, it was a very pleasant experience. I would recommend this shop for collectors as it has a very nice inventory as well as he can order virtually anything. I also recommend this store for people who want to sell their stamp and coin collections as this shop is very fair and honest. Finally, if you are in the area and need a stamp to mail something, this store sells current postage stamps. read more

I found this shop on Yelp when looking for a store in Chicago to get vintage stamps for my Save the Dates--I'm so glad I did! The store was a trek for me--about an hour each way--but TOTALLY worth it. I spent over 2 hours in the store going through books of stamps, and laying out various combinations. The owner of the store and his counterpart were patient, funny and kind. I left feeling like they were old friends. I ended up getting a combination of 3 stamps for each of my 100 STD's, and the owner went through his archives to dig up everything I needed. I am so pleased with the experience that I can't wait to go back when I send out my invitations. For anyone looking for vintage stamps for their invitation suite...look no further! read more

If you find yourself inheriting a collection that you don't know what to do with I would highly recommend Stamp King! Charles was very fair and honest with his offer; after doing a bit of research on our own it was exactly what I would have expected. read more

We had an amazing experience with the Stamp King this spring. We were looking for vintage stamps to use on our wedding invitations. My wife had been looking around on Etsy and eBay, but couldn't find the right stamps (or enough of them) at good prices. We found the Stamp King on Yelp, she gave him a call, and he set up an appointment with us. We took the Blue Line to his store, where he met with us for about an hour or two. He knew exactly what we were looking for and he offered better prices than we found anywhere else. More than that, he was patient, knowledgeable, and eager to help. For a few of the stamps, he needed to order them -- he called us immediately after they arrived. Truly stellar customer service. You will love the Stamp King. read more

Great resource for wedding stamps and to sell stamp collections. Definitely go in with an idea of what you want though, as his amazing selection and store is a bit overwhelming. read more

Went to liquidate my/siblings stamp collection. Charles is honest about which stamps are worth more just to use as postage and was very patient with going through several stock books, albums, first day covers, and then bins of just used stamps. Sure I didn't get that much (but I didn't have any real rares) but I got great stories and an update on an old hobby of mine. Recommend you make an appointment and stick to it...or call to reschedule...otherwise you may need to wait as he attend to other appointments while you wait. read more

I had a great experience. I had been holding onto my deceased Grandmother's stamp and coin collection for over a decade and it was time to let go. He was very fair and honest and made the process super easy. read more

As a visitor to a city, I always make it a point to stop by local retail stamp dealers -- to pick up some supplies and, usually, some tempting stamp purchases. Chicago is no exception. This afternoon I traveled by train to visit the single retail philatelic purveyor in the Windy City, only to be deeply disappointed. One of the enticements of a stamp store is seeing what unusual or exotic items might be available. Were that only to be in this case. The Stamp King allows no one a glimpse at his kingdom. Customers see limited supplies and even fewer stamps on display and instead face a wall of boxes and a gruff, mustachioed man behind a counter barking out questions. The univiting experience is rivaled only by the starter at a public golf course, who got out on the wrong side of the bed. Save yourself a trip and much disappointment. read more

Some of the best moments in life are the times where you find something (a business, a practice, or even a person) that defies today's flashy, materialistic, selfish, and money-hungry status. For example, seeing an old man driving his '78 Ford, when clearly it has been his daily driver for over thirty years and not some shiny souped-up hot rod. It might be rusty, it might make funny noises, and it might drive slow, but it's REAL. Sure, he could easily buy a new car, and then another new car in a few years, and then another (assuming he's still alive of course). But he doesn't care for standard GPS, AUX port, or even air conditioning. He probably worked his tail off for that car in 1978 and wants to drive it into his grave. Give him $30,000 and a new car would be the last thing on his mind. Enter Stamp King, a full-service stamp store up on the far Northwest Side. The store is located on a fairly busy stretch of Higgins Ave, just east of Harlem. It is a most unassuming storefront; the fact that I have driven past this place for years and never noticed it is shameful. A former stamp collector and current coin collector, I decided to stop by today to check it out. I couldn't imagine a store that specializes in stamps and stamp supplies. To me, stamp collecting died decades ago. Hobby and coin shops don't even buy or sell stamps anymore because they are not commodities like gold and silver. Couple that with this recession we are currently in, and I figured I'd be walking into a blank space. Instead, I was buzzed in and was surprised to find a customer in the store talking stamps with the owner (whose name is Charles). They were working a deal for a stamp valued at eight dollars- the owner offered three dollars due to some particular condition issue, and the stamp owner tried driving the price to five. This went on for at least ten minutes. I tell you, stamp people are tenacious. I know how it is with coins but I had no idea things were so particular when it came to stamps. While they were wheeling and dealing, I decided to browse the store, a small, cluttered shop filled with stamp albums, on shelves, stacked, and behind glass; bins of commemorative sheets, plastic baggies of assorted foreign stamps priced to entice the youngest of collectors. I love places like this. You can feel the passion in the air, the smell, the sounds...like an old book store or antique shop, except there is something very characteristic about a stamp store (which I haven't been able to place my finger on yet). Once the customer left, the owner asked me very kindly if there was anything I was looking for in particular. I told him I was just looking, but that I was surprised to have never noticed this shop in all the years I had been traveling up and down Higgins. We ended up talking for at least twenty minutes about stamps- the current market, mainly, and he explained to me why people don't "get it" when he offers less than face value for some random old stamp. Surely, he has had this talk with countless others, and yet here he was, chatting with a complete stranger, a first-time customer who looks nothing like a stamp collector (or a coin collector for that matter). Sporting a curly white mustache and a big grin, this man certainly is one of those unique individuals who probably could be doing something else for a living. Instead, he continues doing what he's done for the last 20+ years, taking pride in his stamp shop and setting an example for a lot of people, who instead are out there striving to make as much money as they can, so that they can buy a big shiny house, a big shiny SUV, a trendy mixed-breed dog, and of course pay someone to walk and pick up after the dog. I will definitely be back, as I've got unfinished business (some stamps that have been sitting around here not being appreciated). Anyone who collects stamps, wants to collect stamps (it's fun, I promise), or used to collect stamps and either wants to start over again or sell their old collection, needs to go see Charles at Stamp King. A real honest, dare I say "blast from the past" shop. read more

This guy has everything for stamp collectors. My husband inherited a couple of collections and he wants to organize them properly and value them, etc. Everything we needed was here -- the little paper covers that you staple, the plastic binder sheets, the valuation books, etc. Tip: bring cash as that is what is accepted. If not, you need to get cash from a local ATM that charges fees or come back, so make sure you have cash on hand. Transit: Walking distance from Harlem Blue Line station. Otherwise take Higgins bus. read more

BAD for coins! I read many fine reviews about this place and I suspect for engaged couples looking for invitation stamps or stamp collectors he could be your man. IF you are looking at selling coins I would avoid this shop! I had old silver and received MUCH lower quotes than Niles Coin Shop. I also received much lower bids on collectible coins - in some cases by 50% or more than 2 other local shops. The owner is pleasant and has a nice patient demeanor so I do not want to be overly negative or insulting. If you want stamps and patient service then this is your place. If you are dealing with coins try somewhere else first (or after) and you will probably find a larger and definitely more competitive selection! read more

This is a long-overdue review. My wife and I came here several times in 2015 to help pick out vintage stamps for our save the dates and wedding invitations. When you first walk in, you're a little overwhelmed because the store is filled to the brim with stamp books, collector guides, etc. It seems a little disorganized, but once you sit down with the guy, it is clear that you have come to the right place. The guy who runs this store (I think his name is Charles) is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and wiling to work with you for as long as it takes until you find exactly what you need. It is obvious that this is his life's passion, and it is reflected in the level of service and attentiveness you get from him. In addition, he has a pretty solid mustache. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who has stamp collecting needs. read more

I suggest taking pictures off everything front and back of stamps and make sure not to give more than one set and not to let charles berg handle your stuff prior to recording them from My experience he is not honest he will go through your stuff and remove the expensive stuff only found out after a visit from my house we're I noticed missing items aside from what I gave him to list so I went to store to call him on it and he gave me a bs excuse i asked for all my stuff back at that tIME and after checking everything a number of things were missing after some time he said he found some things of course cheaper stuff and expensive stamps were never returned He will put all your cheap stuff on and steal your good stuff to not trust this man Finally I sold all my stuff to a different dealer for $400,000 he probably got away with 10 to 15,000 of my stuff that was my family collection he Violated me and my family read more

Take inventory and photos of stamps if you go in for appraisal. Some of mine were missing. Don't bother with his appraisals. He highly undervalues. Dishonest. read more

This is a hidden gem. I went there to buy some holiday stamps to use to mail out my holiday cards. The owner was so helpful and knowledgeable. There are so many stamps to choose from, which is a good problem to have. I highly recommend this store to fulfill your special occasion mailings. Unique stamps add a little something special to envelopes and your friends will enjoy the special touch. read more

Stamp King provides the most personalized, attentive, and patient customer service I have ever received. Both employees were happy to help and spent more than enough time helping me accomplish what I set out to do -- plus found some really cool stamp sets for me that I wasn't expecting! I'd highly recommend this spot to anyone! read more

Charles Berg, also known as the Stamp King, was so wonderful! He helped me find various vintage stamps for my wedding save-the-dates and wedding invitations in 2015. He dedicated a lot of time to helping me and searching for stamps that would be the perfect fit for our invites! Charles has a true passion and seemed to truly love helping my husband and I with our project. I would recommend him for any stamp-related project! His shop is a little bit of a drive from downtown, but it was so worth it! Easy parking. Thank you, Charles! read more

This is a great place to go for all of your stamp needs! We purchased stamps from here and Charles is unbelievably accommodating and helpful. If you have no idea what you're doing, he will guide you through every step and go above and beyond for you. read more

Had to share the great service I got with the Stamp King So, I'd decided that I wanted to use a mix of vintage stamps to reach the $0.71 2oz postage needed for my wedding invites. I searched a number of vendors for vintage stamps- Etsy, Ebay and other online stores- and was frustrated by the price. I noticed (not surprisingly) that many love, heart, wedding and floral stamps were even more expensive. I decided to see if I could find a local shop that might have a good selection. I called ahead to check if they had the stamps I was looking for- I had the "scott" number from my searching but was open to other suggestions as well. I shared what I was looking for and planned to visit the store over the weekend. I stopped in the owner (Charles, I think) had notes from our short call and had pulled a few things. There was another appointment in the store so it might be worth setting up time with him. I hoped for a Wisconsin (my home state) and West Virginia (Fiancee's home state) stamps paired with a heart/love/flowers. He knew SO much about the stamp options we had, and gave his opinion when asked. We were in the store about 30min total. We were able to get an awesome mix of state stamps paired with a "love" stamp. We also decided to get vintage postage for our reply cards- Charles was a great help locating some options for us! We ended up spending an additional $40 (vs. buying new stamps) for our 110 invites. My fiancee enjoyed meeting him, too. It's a bit of a trek- off the Harlem Blue line stop but there was plenty of parking. One note- cash only! read more

Best & fairest dealer in the area. Go in there for a history lesson. U will learn alot.

These vreviews had to be written by the owner and his relatives, My experience was totally the opposite, while the owner at first seemed genuine, he is not what he seems, after getting a very low offer for my extensive collection I accepted his offer. I still had 2 albums and a large box of individual siamps to go over, It was getting busy and he asked if I would leave them with him to evaluate BIG MISTAKE AFTER 2 MONTHS AND 4 PHONE CALLS TO HIM AND 4 DIFFERENT EXCUSES I STILL HAVEN"T RECIEVED AN ANSWER FROM HIM. iF YOU STILL WISH TO DEAL WITH HIM ALL I CAN SAY IS GOOD LUCK YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. read more

Stamp King stayed after hours for two hours helping me pick up the stamps I needed to start my collection. The staff is very friendly, knowledgable, and patient. I will make this my go-to place for any stamp needs. Also would highly recommend this store for a beginner or advanced stamp collector. read more