How to Examine a Stamp Collection

Knowing how to "read" a stamp's features can help you figure out its condition and value.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stamp Perforation Gauges
• Stamp Albums
• Stamp Collectibles Price Guides
• Stamp Stock Books
• Magnifying Glasses
• Postage Stamps

1. Examine the postmark date on the envelope, or what is visible of the postmark on the stamp. This often plays a role in determining a stamp's value.

2. Check the stamp's denomination, or face value.

3. Examine the frame between the central design of the stamp and the surrounding perforations (the holes that separate one stamp from another on a sheet). Is the design centered?

4. Examine the perforation teeth (the stamp's jagged edges). Use a perforation gauge, which measures the number of holes for each 2 centimeters of surface area; the perforation number is one factor that determines the stamp's value.

5. Examine the margin, or unprinted area, around a stamp.

6. Examine the vignette, or central design, of the stamp. Check for color alterations and fading.

7. Use a magnifying glass to examine the stamp closely. Check for creases, tears, uneven perforation teeth, vivid colors, frail paper, the quality of gum on the backing and signs of repair on the surface.

Tips & Warnings

• The grading scale for stamps is similar to that of other collectibles: Mint-condition stamps have never been used, are perfectly centered and have vivid colors, the original adhesive gum on the back, and no creases or tears. The succeeding grades are Extremely Fine, Very Fine, Fine, Very Good and Good.
• Stored stamps are often accompanied by labels. These include Never Hinged (NH), Original Gum (OG), Lightly Hinged (LH) and Hinge Remnants (HR).
• Always check stamp price guides for more information on grading scales and handling stamps; many guides use more elaborate grading scales. Common price guides include the Scott Catalogue, and the Blackbook Price Guide published by the House of Collectibles.

on 8/24/2006 If your stamps fall out of your book and you need to pick them up, you should use tweezers. If you're having trouble with that, only touch the stamps if you're wearing latex gloves. If you have something on your hands, like dirt or oils, it may wreck the stamp (and thus it's value).

on 11/22/2005 Use Stamp Museum to determine how the stamp is being produced. In general, engraved stamps are very labor-intensive compared to other types such as lithography. Also check out who produced the stamps - i.e., who is the painter, who is the engraver, etc.

on 11/22/2005 Select a topic such as United States stamps - either mint or used; UN stamps; world stamps; or stamps from a specific country - either mint or used, but in fine condition.