The Basics of Stamp Grading: A Guide for Beginners
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on stamp grading, a crucial aspect of philately that determines the value and condition of stamps. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned collector, understanding stamp grading will empower you to make informed decisions and navigate the world of stamp collecting with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
- Stamp grading helps determine the value and condition of stamps.
- The Philatelic Foundation is a renowned organization known for its expertise in stamp grading.
- Grading factors include centering, condition, and overall appeal.
- Grades range from 50 (Very Good) to 98 (Superb) points.
- Stamp grading is optional, and each submitter can choose to request a graded or standard certificate.
What Items Will Be Graded?
The Philatelic Foundation offers grading services for a wide range of stamp items. They grade various types of stamps, including coil singles, pairs, and line pairs. To ensure accuracy and fairness, the Foundation follows the guidelines listed in the Scott Valuing Supplement. However, there are exceptions to the standard grading process. The Expert Committee reviews certain items on a case-by-case basis to determine their eligibility for grading. The exceptions include Newspaper stamps without gum, Revenue stamps, Confederate States of America stamps, and United States Possessions stamps. If you are unsure whether your item is eligible for grading, you can always contact the Philatelic Foundation for clarification.
What Items Will Not Be Graded?
While the Philatelic Foundation provides grading services for a wide range of stamp items, there are certain items that will not be eligible for grading. It’s important to be aware of these exclusions before submitting your stamps for evaluation.
Firstly, stamps with serious faults or those that have been repaired will not be graded. These include stamps with significant tears, thins, or repairs that affect the overall integrity of the stamp.
Secondly, stamps that are considered fakes or altered will also be excluded from grading. This includes stamps that have been created using imperforate Scott numbers or stamps with added guide lines. The Philatelic Foundation has strict criteria in place to ensure the authenticity of graded stamps.
Lastly, non-coil multiples, such as blocks or sheets of stamps, are not eligible for grading. The focus of the grading process is primarily on individual stamps rather than multiples.
By understanding these exclusions, collectors can better determine which stamps are suitable for grading and ensure a smooth submission process.
Will Grading Be Optional or Mandatory?
When submitting stamps to the Philatelic Foundation, grading is an optional process. Submitters have the choice to request either a graded or standard certificate for their items. This flexibility allows collectors to decide whether they want an official grade assigned to their stamps or prefer a standard certificate without a specific grade.
In addition, submitters also have the option to request that their item not be graded unless it achieves a minimum grade. This means that if the stamp does not meet the required minimum grade, it will receive a non-graded certificate. This feature caters to collectors who only want their stamps to be officially graded if they meet a certain quality standard.
Having the choice between graded and non-graded certificates provides collectors with the freedom to decide how they want their stamps to be represented in their philatelic collections.
How Is an Item Graded?
At the Philatelic Foundation, the grading process involves a careful evaluation of various aspects of a stamp to determine its overall condition and value. Each item is assigned a preliminary grade based on its centering, with deductions made for specific issues such as blind perforations, natural gum bends or wrinkles, and minor tears or spots. The size of margins and any problems with perforations can also affect the preliminary grade.
Once these objective criteria are considered, the stamp’s overall appeal is assessed. Factors like outstanding color, a well-defined impression, and a particularly attractive cancel for used stamps are taken into account. These subjective evaluations contribute to determining the final grade of the stamp, which can range from Superb Gem (100) to Poor (10).
The PSE Standardized Philatelic Grading Scale
The Professional Stamp Experts (PSE) has established a standardized grading scale specifically for stamps. This scale takes into account the stamp’s centering, condition, and overall numeric grade. The PSE grading scale provides collectors with a comprehensive framework for determining the quality and value of their stamps.
When assessing a stamp’s grading, one of the key factors considered is its centering. Centering is evaluated by examining the balance of margins, and grades range from GEM Superb to VG/Fine. A stamp with perfect centering is awarded the highest grade, GEM Superb, while a stamp with relatively good centering falls into the VG/Fine category.
Condition is also an important aspect of stamp grading. PSE assesses condition based on factors such as gum status, faults, and reperforation. These considerations provide a comprehensive overview of the stamp’s physical state and contribute to the overall grading assessment.
The numeric grade represents the stamp’s appearance and soundness. It is assigned on a scale ranging from 10 to 100, with 100 being the highest grade. This numeric grade serves as an indicator of the stamp’s overall quality and desirability among collectors.
By standardizing the grading process, the PSE scale ensures consistency and accuracy in the assessment of stamps. It allows for consensus expert opinions and provides collectors with a reliable reference point for evaluating the condition and value of their stamps.
Grading Stamps
When it comes to grading stamps, there are several important factors to consider. One of the key elements is centering, which is determined by measuring the distance from the nearest edge of the perforation holes to the beginning of the design. This measurement is then converted into a grade, with perfectly centered stamps receiving a grade of 100. The size of the margins also plays a role in the grading process. Stamps with abnormally large margins may even earn the prestigious “JUMBO” distinction.
Aside from centering and margins, there are other critical factors that contribute to a stamp’s overall grade. These include color, impression, perforations, creases, tears, toned spots, stains, guideline markings, gum condition, and cancels. Each of these aspects is carefully assessed to determine the stamp’s quality and condition. Gum condition, for instance, is described using modifiers such as ogNH (original gum, never hinged) or ogPH (original gum, previously hinged).
To help illustrate the grading process, here’s an image of a well-centered stamp with excellent gum condition:
As you can see from the image, this stamp demonstrates superb centering and pristine gum condition, both of which contribute to a higher grade. This is just one example of how various factors are considered during the stamp grading process.
How Does Gum Condition Affect Grading?
Gum condition plays a significant role in the grading process of stamps. The condition of the gum can impact the overall grade assigned to a stamp. Minor faults like gum bends or creases may result in deductions, while offsets, gum skips, disturbed gum, and part original gum can also affect the grade.
Additionally, natural paper imperfections and perforation disc indentations can impact the grade of a stamp. The cancels on a stamp, such as postmarks or other markings, can also influence the final grade. Lighter cancels are generally preferred, while fancy cancels may have a positive effect on the grade.
Pen cancels typically result in a deduction, except in rare instances when they are considered fancy and add value to the stamp. Guideline markings on stamps can also affect the grade, with full guidelines resulting in a more significant reduction in grade.
To illustrate, here is an example of how different gum conditions can impact the grade of a stamp:
| Gum Condition | Grade Impact |
|---|---|
| Original gum, never hinged (ogNH) | No impact or positive impact |
| Original gum, previously hinged (ogPH) | Possible deduction |
| Gum bends or creases | Deductions |
| Offsets, gum skips, or disturbed gum | Possible deductions |
Proper assessment of gum condition is crucial in determining the overall quality and value of a stamp. Collectors and stamp enthusiasts should pay close attention to the gum condition when evaluating stamps for grading.
Conclusion
Grading stamps is an essential process for collectors, providing valuable insights into a stamp’s value and quality. The Philatelic Foundation and the PSE offer reliable grading services based on established criteria. By understanding the factors involved, including centering, condition, and gum condition, collectors, whether beginners or experienced, can confidently navigate the world of stamp collecting.
Stamp grading plays a vital role in determining a stamp’s appeal and investment potential. The grade assigned to a stamp is based on objective evaluations of its various attributes, such as centering, color, impression, perforations, and gum condition. These evaluations are conducted by reputable organizations like the Philatelic Foundation and the PSE to ensure consistency and accuracy in the grading process.
For beginners, utilizing stamp grading resources is especially valuable. It helps them make informed decisions when purchasing stamps, as it provides a standardized way to assess a stamp’s condition and value. Additionally, understanding the grading process enhances the overall philatelic journey, allowing collectors to appreciate the intricacies of stamps and build a collection that reflects their personal preferences and interests.
In conclusion, stamp grading is an indispensable aspect of the philatelic world. It empowers collectors by offering insights into stamp quality and value. Whether you’re just starting or have been collecting for years, embracing stamp grading guides and utilizing the expertise of organizations like the Philatelic Foundation and the PSE can enhance your stamp collecting experience and bring you closer to the remarkable world of philately.
