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Centering (Grade) of the stamp is always a difficult subject to approach. Namely, what may be very fine to one individual may be only fine+ to another. Also, the definition of a grade can vary greatly from seller to seller. Compounding the problem is that very fine for classics are usually different than that of modern issues.

As we primarily deal in modern issues, the following defines how we grade our stamps. Note that the following standard does not apply to classics. It would be too stringent to apply a grading standard used on modern issues to classics. Also on some classics where there is almost no distance between the design and the perforations, it is very difficult to find stamps where the perforations clear the design on all four sides. However, since classics will almost always have a scan that can be view before purchase, our grading standard can be easily judge.

Also, we do not use a grade above VF+. Applying grades of extra fine and superb to modern stamps seems to be too marketing oriented as most modern stamps will have very fine or better centering. Thus, we will just use VF+ to indicate anything with above normal centering.

  • Avg (Average) - stamp design is noticeably off center one or two sides. Also, one at least one side, the perforations will not clear the design and cut into it.

  • F (Fine) - stamp design is noticeably off center on two sides. Also, on at least one side, the perforations will barely clear the design.

  • F/VF (Fine/Very Fine) - stamp design maybe off center on one side or slightly off center on two sides. There should be a noticeable margin between the design and the perforations.

  • VF (Very Fine) - stamp design may be slightly off center on one side.

  • VF+ (Very Fine+) - any stamp design with centering better than VF.