How do you grade a stamp?
Key Factors in Grading
Centering is the primary factor for most stamps. Check the margins on all four sides: are they equal? Is the design centered? Next, examine the gum on mint stamps—is it original, hinged, or disturbed? For used stamps, the cancellation should be light and not obscure the design.
Faults such as thins, tears, creases, or heavy cancels will lower the grade. Even a well-centered stamp with a minor fault can drop several grades.
- Centering: Equal margins = higher grade.
- Gum: Original gum (OG) is best; no gum lowers value.
- Cancellation: Light, neat cancel is preferred.
- Faults: Thins, tears, or creases reduce grade.
- Perforations: Missing perfs or short perfs lower grade.
The Grading Scale
The standard scale goes from Poor (P) to Superb (S). Most collectors aim for Very Fine (VF) or Extremely Fine (XF). Superb stamps are rare and command high prices.
Grading can be subjective, so professional certification from organizations like the Philatelic Foundation or PSE is often used for valuable stamps. Their opinion provides an expert grade that buyers trust.
Common mistakes
- Focusing only on centering and ignoring faults like thins or tears.
- Assuming all mint stamps have original gum—many have been hinged or regummed.
- Overgrading your own stamps; it's easy to be optimistic without experience.
