When Good Enough For Grading..

Would stamps like the one showed be worthwhile to have them graded?

Just going through some stamps now, and just picking out the nicer centered ones.

None are identified.

I believe grading is a bunch of nonsense, only invented to prey on folks that don.t know better and have money to throw away. And no, I do not think any of the above, though centered and nice stamps are exceptional. Why would you want them graded anyway?


Peter

Just for fun actually.

There seem to be alot into this though.

I don't think either stamp is centered at the 95 or better grade so answer is ... NO.

If either stamp could be a 95 or better, then it may be worthwhile depending on the value and population report. Since they are used stamps and would not grade higher than 85-90 at best, I would definitely not submit them.

I think top stamp is 90-95

Bottom is an 80-85.

This is Based on Centering only. If there is a fault then it will go way down!

But I am not a professional grader.

Bottom stamp has enough faults..:).

Then I have to look for some better ones.
Scarce here though. Almost all are wayyyy of center ;).

Thanks for your advice/reply.

Grading those stamps would cost more than they're worth, you'd never recover the cost. Most collectors don't need a grade to realize a premium piece.

They are worth a fortune... ;).

Thanks for your reply. Clear.

The very idea of a "professional grader" makes me laugh. "Professional huckster" is closer to the truth.

In any case, both stamps are very well centered. I would call them "Extremely Fine." Only a serious neurotic would not be happy with that centering.

I must be seriously crazy. I wouldn't waste space on either of them.

Remco,

There is a huge price premium US classics for grades 98-100 or 98-100J, even for used stamps that are quite common.
Once you get down to 90-95 grades it goes away fast.

I don't collect these super high grade stamps. Honestly, it's out of my price range to spend 200$ On a 98 grade for common Wash-Franklin stamp that catalogs for Scott 10$ in VF condition. But the premium does exist and if you can find one, go for it!

I think frustration develops over the ethics of the grading "professionals"
Most cannot discern a 95 from a 98, or 98 from 100, or even a 90 from 95. There is subjectivity in this and despite the so called science behind it, I think there is a lot of chicanery in it.

$$$ making machine $$.....is the way I see it and I grade all my stamps myself....I think I am going to give myself a Diploma - !

Renden, go ahead! And then hang it in your diner!


Peter

While the bottom stamp is clearly faulty, what is wrong with the top one? While it sort of appears it might have a horizontal crease (edited to add-: at the level of the top of his eye), I wonder if that line isn't either a line from the holder or a line from the scanner which clearly does have some problems.

Remco Mouthaan - Lots of experience above with good guidance! If you are selling a stamp the buyer will judge the quality from seeing the stamp, and obviously your costs control the profit to be made. Only someone with little ability to judge the quality of a stamp on their own would rely on a grading system to make a purchase.

Lots of different views..guess I will indeed just pick out the better centered ones. Although indeed common I have to say I just like them better well centered. Also a grade 100 is just something I would like just for the fun of it. Value wise..no clue.

Ps. Bottom stamp has no crease, is indeed the line from the holder.