Stamp certification is an established procedure in the collecting industry. This guide explains the process, details the reasons behind certification, and outlines the factors to consider before submitting stamps for expert authentication.

Understanding Stamp Certification

Stamp certification involves an expert evaluation of a stamp’s authenticity and condition. Qualified specialists inspect the stamp and issue a physical certificate that records their findings. These certificates serve as an official record, similar to certifications available for sports cards, comic books, coins, and autographs.

Reasons for Stamp Certification

Confirming Stamp Identity

Stamp designs often have subtle varieties that can be easily mistaken for one another. Certification confirms the specific identity of a stamp, which can vary significantly in market value from a few dollars to several thousand dollars.

Assessing Condition

The condition of a stamp is a critical factor in its valuation. Certification includes an assessment of any damage such as tears, creases, or thinning of the paper. Alterations—such as reperforating or cropping to improve appearance—are also examined, as these changes can affect a stamp’s value.

Enhancing Saleability and Value Retention

A certificate of authenticity improves a buyer’s confidence, particularly with high-value stamps. In a market where counterfeits are a known issue, a certified stamp is more attractive to collectors and auction houses, ensuring that its value is maintained or enhanced at resale.

Criteria for Certifying Stamps

Certification is recommended only when it meets two essential conditions:

• Improved Saleability: The certificate should significantly increase the marketability of the stamp.
• Cost Recovery: The cost of obtaining the certificate must be recoupable in the stamp’s eventual sale.

Collectors often perform detailed research—such as measuring stamps accurately and identifying alterations—before deciding to certify a stamp. This due diligence helps ensure that the certification expense is justified by a corresponding increase in the stamp’s sale price.

Cost Considerations for Certification

Stamp certification fees vary depending on the service provider and the stamp’s catalog value. Typical fees range between 25 and 35 dollars, with an additional percentage charge (usually 1 to 5%) on stamps above a certain value. Maximum fees can reach between 300 and 400 dollars. For example, certifying a stamp that sells for 20 dollars would not be cost-effective, whereas a high-value item such as a sought-after Scott number one stamp might justify the expense.

Assessing the Market Potential

Determining the increase in sale price that certification provides requires experience. Observing auctions and monitoring sales data from platforms such as eBay and major auction houses helps build the necessary knowledge to judge whether certification is a sound investment for a particular stamp.

Recognized Expertizing Services in the United States

For United States stamps, only a select group of expertizing services is widely recognized:

• Professional Stamp Experts (PSE)
• The Philatelic Foundation (PF)
• The American Philatelic Society (APS)
• Philatelic Stamp Authentication & Grading (PSAG)
• William Crowe (wtcrowe@aol.com)

These organizations are trusted by collectors and auction houses. Using non-authoritative services may increase the risk of receiving an invalid or unreliable certificate.

Shipping and Packaging Guidelines

Preparing Your Stamp for Certification

When sending stamps for certification, follow these steps:

• Use a Dealer Card: Place each stamp into a protective dealer card. Plastic cards from reputable suppliers help protect the stamp during transit.
• Enhance Protection: For added rigidity, insert the dealer card into a thick plastic sleeve designed for cover protection.
• Water Damage Prevention: Seal the protected stamp in a zip lock bag to guard against moisture.

Packaging for Safe Transit

Place the individually packaged stamps into a rigid cardboard mailer (commonly 9 by 7 inches) to prevent shifting, bending, or folding. For multiple stamps, each should be individually housed in a dealer card, yet all can be placed together within the same zip lock bag.

Secure Shipping Practices

Choose a shipping service that offers signature tracking and optional insurance. This minimizes risk during transit and provides assurance that the stamps will arrive safely at the expertizing facility.

Turnaround Times and Handling Risks

Expected Processing Times

Stamp certification typically requires a turnaround time of 30 to 60 days. It is important to account for this delay, especially if the stamp was recently purchased and there is a limited return window.

Potential Certification Errors

Certification does not guarantee absolute accuracy. There are instances where expertizing services have made errors, such as misidentifying alterations like repurfs. If there is disagreement with the certification, collectors can seek a second opinion from another reputable service. However, additional fees should be factored into the decision to obtain multiple certificates.

Making the Decision to Certify

Deciding to certify a stamp involves weighing potential benefits against the cost of certification. Key considerations include:

• Whether the certificate will boost the stamp’s saleability.
• If the certification cost is likely to be recouped upon sale.
• The level of research and expertise that supports a confident identification of the stamp’s authenticity.

Collectors are advised to gain substantial experience and education in the field before submitting high-value items for certification. Each certification process serves as an opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of the market and refine best practices for future transactions.