If you are a serious stamp collector you need to at least know how to grade a stamp. However, if you do not know how to, do no fret. You have come to the right place. Read on, and you will find out how to grade a stamp.
If you like to buy stamps online, it is essential that you know how to grade a stamp. Firstly, you have to know that the condition of a stamp should and usually does determine the grade of a stamp. Sometimes, it even determines the price asked and pain id you intend to sell or buy them. There are two straight forward objective parts and one difficult subjective part in determining a stamp's condition.
Firstly, you have to know that a stamp is sound, faulty or defective. A stamp which is sound is not faulty or defective. Faults are however, are minor imperfections. Minor imperfections in this context are such as a short perforation or a very tiny watermark or a light corner crease. Defects are major imperfection such as many short perforation, heavy creases, pin holes, stains, surface abrasions, and very heavy smeared cancellations on used stamps and badly disturbed glue on mint stamps or anything of such.
Secondly, to some people, the most important factor in stamp grading and pricing is the centering of the stamp design. There are six ways to classify them.
1) Superb (S)
A perfectly centered stamp should be listed as S.
2) Extra Fine (XF)
A stamp that is perfectly centered side to side but slightly off to the bottom or top is considered XF.
3) Very Fine (VF)
A stamp that is perfectly centered from top to bottom but is slightly off side to side is considered VF.
4) Fine- Very Fine (F- VF)
A stamp that is slightly off in two directions should be listed as F- VF.
5) Fine (F)
A stamp that is more than slightly off center to the point that the frame of the design almost touches the perforation holes should be listed as F.
6) Average (A)
Stamps are graded A when perforation cut into the stamp's design.
Lastly, the way to grade a stamp is by eye appeal. Eye appeal is up to personal preference. You can consider all the above when grading a stamp but you should only get a stamp that appeals to you.
Stamp grading is essential if you buy or sell used stamps. However, you need to get used and have more practice grading a stamp.
Stamp collecting is a great hobby and it suitable for kids an adults alike. Grading stamp is one of the nice skil that you should have too. Visit us now and find out more information about stamp collecting NOW ==> http://www.stampcollectinghobby.net
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