Grading of Stamps - Obtaining a certificate

[Johnny_AA 10]

I was wondering if anyone could shead some light on the procedure to have a stamp graded. Where might one turn to and the average costs involed and so on, any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

Regards

JA

[librashares 10]

Hi Johnny AA, For stamps where forgeries or reprints may exist, or it is possible that the condition was altered in some way, either accidental damage or deliberate tampering, the stamp may be submitted to the Philatelic Federation of South Africa Expert committee, p.o.box 304 Montagu 6720. They provide a service whereby Certificates are issued, confirming the stamp identification and a statement that it is genuine or otherwise as the case may be. This is done for a fee, and is cheaper for members of Philatelic Societies affilliated to the Federation.

Similar services are provided by the Royal Philatelic Society, London, and BPA Expertising Limited, the American Philatelic Society, and numerous European experts, all for a fee.

On Pages x, and xi of the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth and British Empire Stamp Catalogue, 112th edition, is an explanation and illustration of various descriptive criteria and grades for stamps.

The American system of grading and encapsulating stamps is usually applied to "investment" USA stamps, and more can be read about these services at the links below.

Postage Stamp Grading and Condition | Stamp appraisal online

Professional Stamp Experts

Take care that the cost of certificates does not exceed the resale value of the stamps in question.

It is best to learn from the experience of others at a local Philatelic Society. Good advice is more often than not given for free at these meetings, and only contentious items submitted for Certificates. Beware the commonly misused adjectives of Superb, Scarce, Valuable etc.

[Johnny_AA 10]

Thanks Librashares

 

Many thanks Librashares, your awnser has helped greatly.