Factors that influence the value of stamps

By Jim Watson

While catalogues provide guidance on the value of stamps, the marketplace ultimately determines value. The price that an informed seller realises for a stamp offered at an auction (that has informed and willing buyers) is the best market price available. From that standpoint, eBay historical prices are good guides to stamp values in the eBay marketplace. Caution should be exercised, however, since sometimes inexperienced buyers and sellers are can lead to misleading prices when extrapolated to the general market, or even to the next offering of similar items on eBay.

One of the key determinants of value is the condition of the stamp. Scott's Catalogue prices are based on what Scott defines as very fine condition. The catalogue discusses, in the introductory sections, the factors affecting condition, and illustrates centring. (See "Terms for listing or buying.")

First and foremost, the stamp should be defect-free. Defects which detract greatly from stamp value include thins, scuffs, tears, missing pieces, trimming, short perforations, holes, creases, faded colours, dirt, and dog ears. Care should be taken with the purchase of any valuable stamp to assure that the stamp is sound and free from defects. Defects are often repaired quite skilfully, and sometimes even the seller doesn't have the skill or the time to do a thorough evaluation. In the worst case, stamps having such defects should be destroyed. In lesser cases, or in the case of stamps which otherwise are deemed valuable, the stamps can be used as "space fillers" until a better copy can be found. Such stamps are sold at a considerable discount from the catalogue value.

The factors which make up condition include: impression, colour, centring, gum for mint stamps, and the cancellation for used stamps. A clear impression is always preferable. As the plates from which stamps are printed wear, the crisp lines of the engraving become blurred. A sharp, detailed stamp that is well printed and post office fresh is often a striking sight. Such impressions command the highest prices.

Colour should be bright and properly representative of the original colour in which the stamp appeared. Often, different printings will be made with different shades of ink which create identifiable varieties. Also, colours sometimes change with time or exposure to chemicals. Such off-colour or dull colours should be considered as defects whose effect on value is dependent on the severity of the problem.

Centring is the evenness of the space between the stamp impression and the edge of the paper or perforations on the stamp. Even, generous margins are preferred. In the case of imperforate stamps, the best stamps have a margin beyond each side of the design. Such stamps are called clear four sides. Since perforations were developed along with stamps, early stamps did not emphasise the modern desire for well- centred stamps. Early stamps often are found with perforations touching the design because the designs were printed so close together, so condition categories adjust with the issue. Scott's Catalogue shows examples of what constitutes Extra Fine, Very Fine, Fine and Average centring in the introductory sections of their catalogues. Beginning collectors are advised to read the material and look at the stamps to help develop an eye for evaluating centring. Centring is subjective, and no two people will always agree on how a stamp can be graded. This is why the images found on the Internet can be of use in making your own judgement of acceptable centring.

The gum on mint stamps is the subject of much attention when evaluating a stamp. An unhinged stamp is one which has never been touched by a hinge. The tracks of hinges are considered very lightly hinged if the hinge mark is only revealed by careful examination with magnification and proper lighting. Hinge marks which are clear but do not disturb much of the gum's surface may be considered hinged. Heavily hinged stamps are those which have gum which has been disturbed by the hinge. This disturbance may be seen as lack of gum or unevenness under the hinge mark. If a portion of the hinge is still attached to the stamp, it is described as having a hinge remnant.

gum is also subject to other problems. Many of the unused stamps of the 19th century have been acquired by collectors without the original gum. Many mint stamps had the gum intentionally soaked off to avoid the possibility of damage due to cracking of the dried gum. Although many may appear to have such gum, careful, expert examination will reveal that the stamp has been regummed. Modern techniques make regluing quite difficult to detect. Certainly, collectors who pay high prices for original gum on early stamps should buy only on the condition that a confirming expert opinion can be obtained. Generally it is best to assume all such stamps are regumd. While gum is the subject of much debate, it is much easier on the pocketbook to accept lightly hinged, quality stamps for your collection.

A crisp and small cancellation on a used stamp is most desirable. Identifiable cancellations such as fancy cancellations (stars or geometric shapes), and town or slogan cancellations can add to the value of a stamp. Smudged and heavy cancellations reduce the value of a stamp. Cancellations in colours other than black are sometimes found, especially on early stamps. These command a premium. The specialised catalogues list cancellations which have particular value.

Often we see the word superb used to describe the condition of a stamp. This term should be used only if the stamp is truly perfect in every respect. The stamp is expected to be almost mathematically centred, the impression should be from an early usage of the plate with no smears, and the colour should be bright and post office fresh. Mint stamps should have flawless original gum, and used stamps should have sharp, small cancellations. Such stamps from early issues are truly rare and, in the case of many stamps, non-existent.

The preceding material was written by Jim Watson. These are the opinions of the author, not the opinions of eBay, and therefore eBay does not validate the accuracy of or endorse these opinions.