Stamp Values: Centering

Determining a stamp’s value is a multi-step process. Like anything, many factors go into figuring the final value of the stamp. One of things every stamp collector must look at is centering. This isn’t a scientific or set process, so the stamp’s centering value will vary from collector to collector.

As with anything, if you’re unsure about a stamp’s value, seek the help of a philatelist pro.

There are seven “conditions” when assigning value to a stamp for centering.

Poor – When a stamp has poor centering, a significant portion of the stamp is “lost.” For instance, on a stamp with a face, the perforation might be running through the face.

Average – A stamp with this grade is suffering just slightly with centering. The perforations are probably just starting to cut into the design.

Fine – Your basic stamp where the perforations are okay, but the margins around the design are off.

Fine Very Fine – This is the middle ground between fine and very fine. Basically, the stamp isn’t bad off enough to declare as fine and isn’t good enough to be very fine.

Very Fine – This stamp is pretty solid. There will probably be only slight margin issues on one or two sides.

Extremely Fine (Superb) – If a stamp is extremely fine or superb, it’s perfectly centered. As you might imagine, stamps with this type of centering are rare.

Jumbo – When a stamp is perfectly centered with oversized margins, it’s a Jumbo. The value of these stamps is higher.