US 122, Graded VF/Xf 85. Would Like Input

I am in negotiations with a dealer for the following item. This image was sent in response to my query and is exactly what I am looking for, but I am sceptical about the grade given to this stamp.

My opinion is that the top margin is too close to be called VF/XF ... esp by the Philatelic Foundation.

What are your opinions?

The price of the stamp is $2200.

The certificate gives a numerical grading of 85, not 95 -- perhaps a typo in your thread title?

The grading scale for classic era stamps tends to be heavily shifted/skewed toward the lower grade end, so it's not unusual to see noticeably off-centered stamps described as VF or even XF.

I would call it VF or "possibly" VF+, but that doesn't sound as juicy as VF/XF. But I'm no expert and nobody is paying me anything for my opinion.

When looking at certificates, I pretty much disregard any grade assigned as well as the notorious "number". I either like the centering or I don't. To me, the value of the certificate is to demonstrate the stamp is genuine and accurately IDed with no hidden faults.

how close to catalog is that price? I don't have mine handy.
Also, there is a split on grading, where after a certain year they get tougher.
An 85 is only slightly higher then an 80 which is a VF. So technically it is in the vf/xf range but much closer to VF, I would not pay more then catalog for it. and possibly even less considering how many of these are on the market right now.

here is one on bidstart for 1000.00
http://stampwants-stamps.bidstart.c...81885/a.html

The 2010 Specialized Value by Grade has this at:

VF-80 $ 2500
VF/XF-85 3250
XF-90 4500
XF/S-95 10000
Sup-98 22500

Rileysan,

Personally, I don't like the number grading system where too much emphasis is placed on the number.
Q: Do you like the centering?
Q: Do you trust the dealer?
Q: Have you verified the certificate?
Q: Is there a return policy if you don't like it?
Q: Are you comfortable letting go $2,200?

These are the questions I would ask myself instead of what the number grade given the stamp.

Art

Thanks for pointing that out. Definitely a typo.




That is the case ... and I believe the scale should be the same no matter what the era. But there's nothing I can do about that.

I do have a certified & graded 114 with much better margins and it's a VF 80. Maybe my expectations are too high ...




Nice looking stamp, but is reperfed on the left side. The seller missed or ignored it.

Go to the Siegel Auctions (www.siegelauctions.com) website and search their "Power Search" for 122s used. There are a pile of them. Add 15% buyers premium and about $25 shipping to these prices for "your cost." That should give you an idea of current prices.
Chip

nice site.. you can get vf used stamps for 1000 or less...

Rileysan!
After looking at this #122 I knowing the market, I feel that paying anything over $750.00 to $1000.00 would not be a good investment. Even though the PF certification says it is a an 85, I think that is overstated. Also, remember the PF grade is not solely based on the centering of the stamp, but tries to take into account myriad of other factors, one of which is eye appeal. The stamp I have shown here just sold for $750.00. Yes the cirt does say that it has a small sealed tear, but I assure that it can not be seen without dipping it first.
Ron



1869, 90¢ carmine & black (Scott 122), marvelous example, perfectly centered amid large margins, brilliant fresh color, eceptional pretty stamp, neat black cancellation; tiny hidden perf tear only shows only in fluid, expertly rep

where is this stamp.. becuase it looks like it says it was "expertly reperfed/repaired"?

LHS Re-perf?

The stamp I posted sold in Kelleher's Oct 13th auction.
The description is exactly copied, I think it is expertly repaired. The stamp passes a srail test and if it was re-perfortaed Kelleher would have made special note of it. While sometimes maybe not the easiest guy to deal with, I feel he is a straight shooter.
Ron

I am not a fan of graded stamps. But if I was going to give this stamp a grade I would give it an 80. It is a very attractive stamp, but not worth $2500 in my opinion/

Thank you all for the good input. In the case of my 1869s, I possess all but 3 stamps that would grade at VF80 or better. This is a difficult series to complete in any condition, let alone in VF, and it's not every day you have a chance to pick up one of the key 19th century stamps, certified and graded for under catalogue value ($2200 price vs $2250 cat).

Art asked some pertinent questions of which I have not verified #3 (did I verify the cert) and am still struggling with Q #5 ... letting go of the $$. If I agree to his terms, it will be the most I've ever spent on a single stamp ... by a large margin ... and I want to make the most informed decision possible.

Anyways, I'll keep you posted on my decision.

Brian