Certification Opinion Sought

I've uttered this phrase so many times over the years, I should have it in my signature block!

For what it is worth, if I had a truly scarce stamp worth 5 or 6 figures, with a clear cert, I would likely leave it as is, unless I had reason to think the cert was wrong. When it comes time to sell, though, I would likely send it back out (most likely to PF) for a new cert. This assumes I will send it off to be sold a very short time after getting it back from the PF. I do think an up to date cert helps the sale, resulting in a higher realization. This would also prevent the stamp from being put on extension, thus delaying your payout. I have a bunch of stamps that will be sold upon my retirement, and they will get this treatment, but not until then. Yes, it will cost me a lot of money in cert fees all at one time, but at least they will all be as fresh as possible. I would consider talking to the firm with which I plan to sell to see if maybe I can get a discount with them if they submit the stamps. If they send them off, the certs will be as fresh as possible - catalog descriptions would likely be written within weeks of the cert date.

If I am not selling, and I have no real reason to question the previous opinion, sending off for a cert would be a waste of money, IMHO. Especially if I were planning to re-submit upon deciding to sell it anyway.

I have never liked to play the re-submit game for a higher grade. I HAVE played the game of submitting to another org for a grade, but not a re-submit.

Mootermutt: agree with everything you say.