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 slightly.
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.
Other Stamp Collecting Articles:
Follow us on Twitter:
Most Commented
Stamp Collecting Auctions
|
|
OH SHT LONGHORN AND STAR STAMP BINGO DAUBERS 3 IN SET US $12.50 |
|
|
THAILAND SIAM CLASSIC STAMP RARE CANCELLATION 4 US $55.00 |
|
|
India 1866 QV 6a OPT Postage SG66 Fine and Rare Stamp Used 1169 US $6.50 |
|
|
THAILAND SIAM CLASSIC STAMP RARE CANCELLATION 5 US $10.51 |
|
|
4 FINE STAMP MONTAGE POST CARDS SHIP FLOWERS MAN WOMEN used unused US $24.99 |
|
|
ASD 2571 BEETHOVEN Ghost DU PRE ZUKERMAN 1970 UK HMV COL STAMP STEREO 1st PRESS US $11.33 |
|
|
THAILAND SIAM CLASSIC STAMP RARE CANCELLATION 7 US $16.51 |
|
|
UNITED STATES OLD STAMP COLLECTION 100 ALL DIFFERENT USA LOT 13 US $6.50 |
|
|
Old German WAR COIN WWII w Sw RARE STAMP 1945 US $5.95 |
|
|
6 Nr Mnt THE CLIMAX BLUES BAND LP Records 1975 Stamp Album 1976 Tightly Knit US $14.59 |
|
|
Ryukyu Japan Stamp Lot 28 US $55.00 |
|
|
Ryukyu Japan Stamp Lot 29 US $90.00 |
|
|
Ryukyu Japan Stamp Lot 30 US $56.00 |
|
|
THAILAND SIAM CLASSIC STAMP RARE CANCELLATION 8 US $6.50 |
|
|
THAILAND SIAM CLASSIC STAMP RARE CANCELLATION 9 US $5.00 |
|
|
Ryukyu Japan Stamp Lot 31 US $86.96 |
|
|
Ryukyu Japan Stamp Lot 32 US $88.86 |
|
|
Jamaica MNH OLD Stamp my2361 US $4.84 |
|
|
Ryukyu Japan Stamp Lot 33 US $86.00 |
|
|
vintage superior hand saw has the eagle stamp on it US $7.00 |
One Response
Thom Chandler
April 18th, 2011 at 5:45 am
1being new at grading Duck stamps, I am puzzled as to how a stamp is graded, i.e., used, unused, fine, mh and mint. Also, signed and not signed. Hope you can help me. Thanks, Thom
RSS feed for comments on this post · TrackBack URI
Leave a reply