The Short Answer
- Centering is described as superb, very fine, fine, or average.
- Gum condition includes original gum, regummed, no gum, and disturbed gum.
- Hinged stamps are less valuable than never-hinged stamps.
- Cancels can be light, heavy, smudged, or bullseye.
Centering Terms
Centering describes how well the design is centered within the perforations. Common terms include superb, very fine, fine, and average. Better centering means higher value.Gum Condition
Gum condition is crucial for unused stamps. OG means original gum. NH means never hinged. LH means lightly hinged. Regummed stamps have been given new gum and are less valuable.Hinged vs Never Hinged
A hinge is a small paper tab used to mount stamps in albums. Never-hinged stamps retain full original gum and are worth more than hinged stamps.Cancellation Types
Cancels can be light, heavy, smudged, or bullseye. A light cancel that does not obscure the design is preferred. A bullseye cancel centered on the stamp is generally less desirable.Frequently Asked Questions
What does VF mean for stamps?
VF stands for Very Fine, describing stamps with good centering, fresh color, and minor imperfections.
What is the difference between MNH and NH?
MNH means Mint Never Hinged. NH is a shorter form of the same meaning. Both indicate a stamp with full original gum and no hinge mark.
Are regummed stamps worth less?
Yes. Regummed stamps have had gum applied after printing and are generally less valuable than stamps with original gum.
Can AI assess stamp condition?
AI can assess centering, margins, gum condition, and cancellation from high-resolution photos.
Sources & Further Reading
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