The new third party stamp graded certificates have really caught on in the last couple of years and added a new dimension to the hobby! All too often I notice a lot of stamps offered in a higher grade than they really are to fetch a higher premium at online auction. It pays to become familiar with the grading standard set forth by Scott’s Catalogue and PSE! The three stamps shown below were all sold described as having extra fine centering here on eBay. In reality they are only average or fine centered at best and only worth a fraction of catalogue value!

The stamp shown below was described as extra fine. Notice the missing perforation teeth! This is a fault which means that grading does not apply and the stamp is only worth a small percentage of catalogue value!

The stamp shown below has a straight edge which greatly reduces a stamp’s value. Again, the stamp was described as extra fine. Also notice the missing perf. tooth!

The stamp shown here was also described as extra fine. It only has fine centering. Also notice the obliterating pen cancel. A pen cancel greatly reduces the value of a stamp! Remember that a stamp with a heavy cancellation, no matter how good the centering, can not be graded as very fine or better!

Shown below are some actual graded stamps that were graded as extra fine. Notice the difference from the stamps shown above!

Familiarize yourself with Scott’s Catalogue and PSE’s grading standards. Also, always ask the seller for an extension to have your stamp professionally graded to protect you investment.

I spend my time and write these guides to help the philatelic community. I feel that my guides can help both buyers and sellers properly identify certain issues that I notice have been often misrepresented at online auction. Even If you personally already are familiar with the information presented in this guide please vote “yes” for helpfulness as it allows me to know that people support my effort to help the philatelic community . I would appreciate any emails with questions or comments on how to better help with any of my guides. If anyone is considering buying a stamp that is mentioned in any of my guides and have doubts about authenticity please email me and I will be glad to help Best regards, Mike