|  | Grading |  | Stamp Grading
We grade stamps as accurately as possible using the system below. You may email if you require any further information about a particular item. In the rare event that you are not satisfied with your purchase, our guarantee applies.
Unmounted Mint (UM):
As issued. Undamaged with original gum and complete perforations. Sometimes termed 'Mint Never Hinged' (MNH)
Mounted Mint (MM):
As UM above but with light hinge marks.
Average Mint (AVM):
UM or MM stamps with small defects such as gum creases, perforation faults, heavy hinge marks, or disturbed gum.
Very Fine Used (VFU):
Light circular postmarks on undamaged and visually appealing and highly collectable used stamps. Sometimes termed 'Superb Used'. (Some sets/singles in this condition listed on this site are from First Day Covers and will be decribed as such in descriptions).
Fine Used (FU):
Medium or less defined circular postmarks or other cancellations not as fine as VFU. Includes light commercially used wavy line or light clean parcel cancellations. Often referred to as 'Good Used' (GU).
Average Used (AVU):
Stamps with heavy, broken or smeared circular or parcel postmarks. May partially detract or obscure stamp design but still very collectable.
Defective Mint (DEFM):
Unused stamps with heavy creasing, thins, missing perforations or other significant faults. Essentially a 'filler'. Normally only stocked for scarcer issues.
Defective Used (DEFU):
Any used stamp but with small defects, faults, thins, tears, creases or clipped perforations. Essentially a 'filler'. Normally only stocked for scarcer issues.
First Day Cover (FDC):
FDCs will normally have a full set of stamps postmarked on the day of issue, unless stated otherwise in the item description.
Description Terms
SG = Stanley Gibbons
MNH = mint never hinged
LH = lightly hinged
UM = unmounted mint
CTO = cancelled to order
MS = mini sheet
SS = souvenir sheet,
Perf = perforate,
Imperf = imperforate,
Opt = overprint(ed)
Sur = surcharged
Unauthorised Issues
We cannot guarantee the authenticity of some modern issues. Most stamps are produced by authorised agencies but some are produced without the relevant government or issuing authority authorisation, and as such are deemed to be illegal. We may list these items along with Local or Cinderella issues, as some thematic collectors include them in their collections.
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