Stamp Centering

Determining a stamp's value has several steps, with several factors affecting the final result. One of these factors that affect a stamp's value is its centering.

Every stamp collector should look at the centering of stamps as a factor in determining the value of his or her stamp collection. Being a judgment call, centering is subjective, and the centering of any given stamp will vary from collector to collector.

Seven centering grades are commonly used with stamps.

Poor. With poor centering, a significant portion of the design of the stamp is lost. For example, perforations running right through the stamp's design result in poor centering.

Average. The design of a stamp of this grade is centered slightly better. The perforations are probably just starting to cut into the design. But be careful, as "average" is a bit of a misnomer - most average stamps (except for some very early, rare classic stamps - are unacceptably centered).

Fine. Your basic stamp - the perforations don't impact the design, but the margins around the design are uneven: the left margin may be much wider than the right margin, or the top margin much taller than the bottom.

Fine/Very Fine. This is the middle ground between fine and very fine centering, and most stamps probably fall into this category. Essentially, the stamp centering isn't bad enough to be considered fine, but isn't good enough to be declared very fine.

Very Fine. A solidly centered stamp with only slight margin issues on one or two sides.

Extremely Fine or Extra-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 harder to find, and will cost more too.

Jumbo. When a stamp is perfectly centered and also has extra-large margins, it's a Jumbo. The value of these stamps is also higher.

We hope these stamp grading tips will help you. Remember, grading is subjective, but it's also very important in determining the value of your stamps.

Grading Stamps - Part III

We've already mentioned that grading stamps is a subjective art, with experts disagreeing on some of the finer points of condition. But always keep in mind that the overall quality of a stamp is the most important factor when grading stamps. For example, Extra Fine copies of early stamps that have large margins and no faults often command much higher prices than what you will see in a stamp catalogue. On the other hand, attractive Very Fine stamps with thins or corner creases sell for lower prices. For example, The Stamp People's online stamp shop features Very Fine and Fine stamps, but also has a "Bargain Stamps and Markdowns" category that offers stamps that have been severely reduced in price for this reason.

Five different criteria are often used when grading stamps: gum (for mint stamps), color, paper, centering and cancellation (for used stamps). This post, we'll talk about what makes a "Very Good" stamp.


Very Good:

Gum: Gum is disturbed or partially missing.

Color: Some fading of the stamp's color may be apparent.

Paper: Paper defects such as staining or creases may be present.

Centering: Perforations cut into or touch the design. The frameline is just cut into by the edge of the stamp on one or two sides (this latter pertains to imperforate stamps).

Cancellation: A medium cancel covering more of the design than a stamp that's in Fine cancellation. The cancellation is not necessarily legible, with perhaps an obscured date or postmark location.