Grading and condition can be very subjective and often a sticking point when trying to determine value.
Unless otherwise stated, Scott catalogues value stamps in sound condition and in the grade of very fine. According to the Scott specialized catalogue for US stamps and covers ...
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Very fine stamps may be slightly off center on one side, but the design will be well clear of the edge. The stamp will present a nice, balanced appearance.. Imperforate stamps will have three normal-sized margins. However, early issues of many countries may be printed in such a way that the perforations may touch the design on one or more sides. Where this is the case, a boxed note will be found defining the centering and margins of the stamps being valued. Used stamps will have light or otherwise neat cancellations. This is the grade used to establish Scott catalogue values.
Unless otherwise stated, all stamps that grade less than very fine will be worth less than the listed catalogue value!
Now that I have that out of the way, here's my comments on your stamp.
US J78, $5 Postage due. Catalogue value .25 for all color varieties in sound condition with a grade of VF.
- Your stamp grades in fine condition (centering) due to the perforations on the right just touching the margin. This will reduce value by at least half.
- The pulled perfs is considered damage to the stamp (condition). This will reduce the value further.
Unfortunately, you have a common space-filler (philatelists often call damaged stamps "fillers"), but don't let that discourage you!
Now that you have a basic understanding of grading a stamp, you should be able to apply this to other stamps in your collection.
My question to you is: Do you have a Scott specialized catalogue for US stamps?
Brian
Posted 01/17/2012 11:51 am
