Pencil Notations

I'm sure it has been asked before.....but what are opinions on pencil notations on the back of a stamp (usually a Scott number)?
I see adverts that list that as a conditional issue, or perhaps it is simply in the spirit of full disclosure. I've also seen in print that such marks are not a "value detractor". So from the pros,which one is the majority opinion? It has not tempted me to avoid a stamp to date, but maybe I've been mistaken. Thanks. John

On the back of a used stamp: no problem.

On the back of a mint stamp:

I'd rather have the pencil notation on the back of a stamp than any attempt at erasure which could cause more damage than to just leave it alone.

I certainly would not shy away from a (used) stamp with a pencil notation on the back. In the years just after WWII it was very common to do this, especially in Europe.

Peter

I don't mind pencil that much, though I do try to remove notations because they are often wrong.
(In fact I've been known to make very light notations myself, usually something that's a royal pain to re-identify that will get mixed with a large number of similar stamps)

I don't mind them on common used stamps. Having a catalog number there can be a great time saver when it comes time to mounting what, in my case, is usually an aggregation of loose stamps. As has been mentioned, it does bother me on mint ones and/or when the catalog number is just plain wrong.

I've got a couple of 3 cent 51s like that. This guy Carroll Chase wrote some position numbers on em :)

I have about 600 US 3-cent 1851s (#10 and #11), and about half of them have plate position numbers written in pencil on the back (some by me). I think these add interest and resale value. But I wouldn't want anything other than plate numbers written on the back of my stamps. I prefer Scott numbers and other notes to be written on the 102 cards or glassines (I don't mount stamps in albums).

I never make notations in pencil (or anything else) on the back of my stamps. I have quite a few stamps with writing on them, though. Doean't bother me much.

Not all pencil notations are equal. Some are light, others were pressed in so hard that even if the pencil "lead" could be erased there would still be a dent in the gum.

Hi,
I think the "pencil notations" is a mixed bag. Having bought up several collections over the last two years, I'm found those with pencil marks fall into two categories - totally unnecessary or invaluable! It all depends on whether I can easily identify the stamp or not.

As an aside, it is remarkable how many cinderellas and unauthorized stamps (i.e. from exiled govts, etc.) that seem to be in many of the albums I picked up. Frankly, I have little use for them (but will hoard them in glassine envelopes).

Actually I do not mind pencil notations on back of used stamps. Some of those Washington-Franklins are tough to identify otherwise.

Thanks for the opinions, I thought perhaps dealers saw those and automatically thought "minus 20%...", that doesn't seem to be the case. I reckon they are described in auctions just in the interest of disclosure. John

Since I will never sell my stamps I don't care because I can't see them but I also understand people who want perfection. That is a trait of many a stamp collector.
Tom

More on unnecessary pencil markings. I've seen stamps where someone transcribed the cancel on the front of the stamp on the back of the stamp, when the cancel on the front was easily readable. Totally pointless.

[Edited a bit for tone:] I think I take a more contrarian view on this.

With the exception of some early issues with plate positions, etc., I considered them to be damaged, whether unused or used. Whenever I happen to offer a stamp for sale with handwriting on it, I disclose it fully and heavily discount the stamp. (I usually scan both sides of the stamp, anyway.)

John S., if you're selling to a dealer, it is very likely they will discount the handwriting, but some will then try to sell it at their customary price and hope that the buyer doesn't take it into consideration.

These days, with glassines and 102 cards easily available, I hope the practice falls into disuse.