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How to Grade US Stamps

You can evaluate the condition of U.S. postage stamps by following the Professional Stamp Experts' grading system. After a close inspection, a stamp receives a numerical designation on a scale from 5 to 100. This number determines the stamp's grade. Grading categories (from best to worst) include: superb gem, superb, extremely fine, very fine, fine, very good, good, fair and poor. A stamp's grade is a key component in determining its value.

Instructions

- 1
  Evaluate the soundness and centering of the stamp. Some stamps will be off-center, with one or more borders differing in size. Ideally, stamps should be free from obvious faults and show perfect balance within the four margins. Check the stamp to ensure that the borders are full and of equal size on each side.
  
  Unperforated stamps are an exception to this grading standard. If the stamp is hand-cut and lacks perforations, base your analysis on how the stamp would look if it were cut in a way that maximizes its appearance. Based on your evaluation of the centering, give the stamp a preliminary grade from 50 to 98.
- 2
  Check the stamp for flaws. Deduct points for any creases, indentations or tears in the stamp's perforation. Take away points for any areas of fading, toning or thin color. Subtract points for a stamp lacking overall color, impression, size or freshness.
- 3
  Give the stamp a final numerical grade. Add or subtract up to five points for overall freshness, impression color or size. In the case of a used stamp, add up to 10 points for a cancellation that is neat, clear and well-placed. Deduct up to 30 points for a cancellation that is heavy and obscures the stamp's design. If the stamp exhibits margins that are at least 0.2 mm larger than the average of other stamps from the same issue, give the stamp a "Jumbo" designation in addition to its numerical grade.

Stamp Collecting