The stamp collection value guide explains the philatelic grading standards used by dealers and auction houses, and helps you understand which condition factors most impact a stamp's value. Select multiple factors below to see their combined effect on price.
Philatelic Grading Scale
Value Factor Assessment
Select all factors that apply to the stamp you're evaluating:
Era Value Reference
| Era | Years | General Value |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Pre-1900 | High–Very High |
| Early Modern | 1900–1940 | Medium–High |
| Mid Century | 1940–1970 | Low–Medium |
| Modern | 1970–present | Face Value |
How to Use the Stamp Collection Value Guide
This stamp collection value guide teaches the philatelic grading standards used by the American Philatelic Society, Scott Standard Catalogue, and major auction houses. Understanding these factors lets you accurately assess your collection and communicate with dealers.
Grading the Stamp
Start by examining centering — hold the stamp up and look at the margins between the design and the perforations. Superb stamps have equal, wide margins. Fine-Very Fine stamps (the most common dealer grade) have slightly uneven margins but are still attractive. Good and Very Good stamps have noticeably off-center designs.
Evaluating Gum for Mint Stamps
Gum condition applies only to unused stamps. OG NH (Original Gum, Never Hinged) commands the highest premium. Lightly Hinged (LH) stamps show a small remnant from a hinge mount — once common before hingeless mounts. No Gum (NG) significantly reduces value. Regummed stamps (fraudulently re-applied gum) are worthless at a premium; learn to identify the natural variation in original gum.
Checking Perforations
Use a perforation gauge to measure the number of perforation holes per 2cm. Perf gauge readings verify which variety you have. Short, missing, or pulled perforations ("pulled perfs") reduce value. Stamps with scissors separation or torn perfs are nearly worthless unless extremely rare.
FAQ
Is this stamp value guide free?
Yes, completely free. Learn grading standards and evaluate value factors without any account or payment.
Is my data safe?
Everything runs locally in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
What does OG NH mean for stamps?
OG NH stands for Original Gum, Never Hinged. This means the stamp has its original adhesive from manufacture and has never been mounted on a hinge. OG NH stamps command significant premiums over hinged or regummed copies.
Why does centering matter so much for stamp value?
Centering refers to how well the design is centered between the perforations. Perfectly centered stamps (Superb) command 3-10× the price of off-center copies (Fine-Very Fine). For classic 19th century stamps, finding a Superb centered copy can be extremely difficult, making well-centered examples rare and valuable.
What era of stamps is most valuable?
Classic stamps (pre-1900) generally command the highest values, especially U.S. 1847-1900 issues and British Victorian-era stamps. Early 20th century stamps (1900-1940) are often the sweet spot — valuable but still obtainable. Modern stamps (post-1960) are almost always worth face value or less unless they are errors, proofs, or scarce varieties.
Should I soak stamps off paper?
Only soak unused stamps if necessary — soaking removes the gum, dramatically reducing value. Used stamps (cancelled) are routinely soaked and values are primarily based on condition and rarity, not gum. Never soak mint stamps with gum.
How do I know if a stamp needs professional grading?
Professional grading (by PSE, APS, or similar) is worth it for stamps valued at $100+ in your estimated condition. Graded stamps typically sell for 20-50% premiums over ungraded examples. Grading also protects against counterfeits on classic high-value stamps.