Why I Support The Grading Of The Classics

In recent days there has been some conversation on grading. While we can agree that pricing on the highest grading is astounding I suggest that this grading system keeps more stamps in the reach of the average collector.

If there was no grading system in place stamp values may reach a point that some would fall out of our everyday reach.

Lets look at a few stamps and their price in relationship to their grading.

Every US collector loves the 1893 Columbian issue. Who doesn't have a used #250 that great deep blue 1 cent stamp. Grading has keep this stamp so low that everyone can own it. This stamp when used and graded from 50 (VG) to 80 (VF) is under $1.00 and at the bottom scale is only 20 cents. However the top grading of 98 (SUP) increase the price to $400. The top dog in this series is the $245 the often dreamed about $5 black stamp. A used stamp with a grading of 50 (VG) will set you back $400. However buying a 98 (SUP) and you will have to shell out $17,000.

One of my favorite stamps is the #279 1 cent deep green Franklin Stamp. I have over 100 of them used. The stamp is a bargain when grade at 50 (VG) for 20 cents. In fact even the 80 (VF) is on 50 cents. However find one graded at 98 (SUP) and now you have a $300 stamp.

The 1901 Pan- American Exposition Issue is another one of my favorites. I looked hard to find the #299 yellow brown & black 10 cent ship in MNH condition. While a 50(VG) is around $62 I was lucky to find one for less. However a 98 (SUP) will support a price of $7,750.

My point is that grading does keep most stamps within reach of the little guys. I am just happy to be able to afford the stamp I want. The grading system permits a wide spread of prices for the same stamped based on certain factors.

We may not all be chasing the high end stamp but grading certainly keeps the lower graded stamps within easy reach of most collectors.

The stamp values I list above are the current Scott US Stamp Values. One must remember these are catalog values and prices may differ greatly in the market place.

As long as the price keeps climbing the knock off for so called defective or faults will remain high keeping the classics in reach of everyone.

I agree grading is important and can be very useful when dealing with the classics. It is most legitimate, there. And grading as to average, fine, fine-very fine, very fine, superb existed before the current numerical system touted by its promoters, and made a difference in price among the classics prior to their existence.

However, may I suggest that it isn't necessarily grading that makes some stamps available to everyone that wants one, but the fact that they are plentiful to begin with. There are issues that would fall far short of these grading standards that are not necessarily available to everyone because they are scarce or rare and command premium prices even in poor condition such as the famed British Guiana "worlds rarest stamp" which is damaged.

That is a fair statement Larry.

I still don't see where a U.S., stamp say a #1000, is worth $10.00. MNH goes for $.20 max. You can buy sheets of them at face.
charging 10 bucks for one is a crime. Graded, encased, certified. No one should have to pay more $.20, period. Total ripoff.
Ave-XF grading is plenty enough grading , in my opinion.

The 3 cent Blue Landing of Cadillac a pretty neat stamp. You and I would not buy a 98 (SUP), there are certainly enough around in very nice condition that would satisfy both of our needs. While not a classic I wouldn't be able to touch a mint sheet graded at 98 (SUP). However I could buy a few sheets at the lower grading.

The point I'm trying to make is that there is enough lower gradings in the market place that we never have to worry about the higher graded stamps.

I would bet though if we had the higher graded stamps we wouldn't let them go for 20 cents either.

Those are all good points, but since I started this mess, please let me make a couple of points:

1. It's not the grading system I object to - although I personally cannot see the difference between a 95 and 98 - it's the fact that "someoe" started the system to make money. It's like Hallmark and the other greetin card comapanies manufacturing "occasions" for us to give cards.

2. An item is worth what you can sell it for today. My complaint/concern is that there is a bubble developing in the inflated price of graded stamps (much like prices in general in the 70's or thereabouts), and that when the bubble bursts, all of us and the hobby will suffer the fallout again.

You know the one thing I don't like is the cost to have a stamp graded and issued a certificate. For a stamp under the value of $600 it adds another $30. For stamps over $600 it is 5% of the SCV. ( maximum $600) This is the short version of the pricing but you do know who pays the extra fright for the grading service.

So my question is this why couldn't we just start a grading service use the same guidelines then offer free certificates?

Hey it was just a thought we could call it SCF-PGS.
With all the great minds and knowledge we could offer free grading with certificates.

i have never had a stamp certified in grading or in any other way but where was it ever been decided that the cost should be a percentage of the stamps value?
i just do not understand this..it is just a service..just seems like another rip off for someone to made money..please tell me the justification..i am sorry if I got a little off the main topic.

dan

Just about every type of collectible has a grading system in place and because of this someone has offered their expertise services, for a fee, to appraise an item and grade it. This just comes with the territory in today's world.

Yeah but they always want to grade my beef lower but they sell it at a higher grade.

Ah, but do you pay them to grade your beef?

LOL, that would be the day.