Stamp Grading Queries: Post Yours Here

Condition can greatly impact a stamp's monetary value, but for most relatively inexperienced collectors like me, the question remains "HOW MUCH?". Therefore, I thought of starting this thread where we could take up examples and discuss the various factors that can determine a stamp's value.

Here is the first example...

Parma (Italian state), 1854-55, 15c Red


What do you think it should be worth (with regard to it's CV---e.g., 50% less than CV, 80% less than CV, ....) in the present condition (and why)?

Ok. Let me give this a shot. I would say 60% less then CV. It is an imperf. but the bottom is not very straight, there are a couple of tears in it (bottom just right of center, and left side just below center), it appears to have a crease going from left center edge to lower right hand corner, and ink in the lower left just above the rosette seems to be worn as does bottom around the "15", and last upon further inspection it appears there is also a tear or maybe a crease at the top between the "I" and the "P", also small crease between the "R" and the crown.

It's hard to believe that I am the only one that posted to this thread. Come on folks let's get some other opinions on this one.

Ok cimarron I'll bite:

If I was purchasing this stamp I would pay between 75 to 80 percent less of Cv.
The main things are a couple tears and thins in the stamp but also the stamp just does not look "fresh" The stamp just looks dirty. The overall appearance is very important to me I love it when a stamp just jumps out at me. But just so I don't totally give this stamp a bad rap it does have good centering for an older imperf issue also it has a light cancel.

Thanks R_Lorenz. I couldn't believe this one had sat for almost two weeks with out anyone else touching it.

Hello Everyone.....

In my opinion.......this stamp is in very very poor condition, and should be considered just a space filler with a value of maybe 2% of catalog at best.

I agree it is a filler with the faults. Without them, the centering would be a plus. I save "fillers" in a separate stock book page for comparisons, but do not put them in the collection. Just personal preference.

Jim

Unless it was a particular issue that I was interested in, I would pass on this piece totally.

Many new collectors, and some that are more advanced, will put any stamp into their collection while they wait for something better. I have to go with Jim on this one though - if the piece isn't up to my standards it doesn't go into the album at all.

Ooh, I would love to post some pics of some my stamps for all of you to take potshots at, but alas, they are packed away in storage for at least another month.

I'm not even going to take a guess at percent CV, though. I'll do everyone a favor and just hang around and read and learn for a while first. I'm one of those who would happily put this stamp in my album till the day something better came along (yeah, perhaps it's a little worn, a bit ragged around the edges, but it's still pretty in my eyes).

I would more then likely take it and put it in my book. You never know that may be the only specimen of that stamp you will ever see.

I tend to agree with Cimarron..i have no idea how scarce the stamps of Parma are..but if its the only one in captivity..catalog value would mean nothing..SOMEONE somewhere would have to have it for his collection and pay the price !!

Hello Stamphop....

My comment was not intended to seem like I was just taking pot shots at an item. The question was posted and I was merely stating my opinion.

By definition a space filler is exactly what you have stated.....something that fills a space until a better example is found.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with any collector having some in their collection.......but they need to be recognised for what they are so that when someone starts spending hard earned money on better items they will have a better idea of how condition affects value.

If I searched carefully, I could probably find a few still in my collection.

I agree. That's how I learned from this forum is by others being honest about condition, etc. of my stamps.
At the beginning I always thought that each stamp was worth what the Scott Catalogue said it was (of course most of mine are used or previously hinged)--then I learned about centering, color, missing perforations, creases, tears, etc. The lightbulb then came on and I realized I had a lot of very low value stamps from the 40's to 1970's. That's okay by me because I love the history behind them and didn't pay much for them. I may put them in an album--have them all in stockbooks right now. I collect what I like at low cost.

Gussyboy1

That's how I am Gussy low cost is the way to go. I have several that I have had mounted in my little starter album and have run across better if not mint lightly hinged to MH. If I'm happy that's what count's besides sometimes you can get some really cool "trash" out there just look at the covers I got from Tom (I think it was Tom) that where dated for 1875 and looked like they had been thru heck and back. I have them in the front of my album and when I show it off to people they are the first one's I show them.