Grading & Condition
- What is the difference between mint and used stamps?
Mint stamps have never been used and usually retain their original gum, while used stamps have been canceled and have no gum. Mint stamps typically sell for more, but used can be valuable if scarce. - How does paper money grading work?
Paper money grading is a 1-to-70 scale that describes a note's condition, from Poor (1) to Gem Uncirculated (70). It's based on how crisp, centered, and free of flaws the note is. - What is a good grade for a collectible bill?
A good grade for a collectible bill is typically Very Fine (VF) or higher, but the ideal grade depends on your budget and the bill's rarity. For common notes, Extremely Fine (EF) or About Uncirculated (AU) offers a nice balance of quality and price. - How does stamp centering affect value?
Centering is one of the most important factors in stamp value. Well-centered stamps can be worth several times more than off-center examples of the same stamp, especially for classic issues. - What is the difference between uncirculated and circulated bills?
Uncirculated bills have never been used in commerce and show no wear, while circulated bills have been handled and show signs of wear such as folds, creases, or dirt. Uncirculated notes are worth more. - How do you grade a stamp?
Stamp grading evaluates centering, gum (for mint), cancellation (for used), and faults. The grade ranges from Poor to Superb, with well-centered, fault-free stamps earning the highest grades.