Greetings, fellow collectors. Ryan here from StampCollectors.us. I recently received my latest batch of graded stamp certificates from Professional Stamp Experts (PSE), and I’m sharing the results in this article. This submission was smaller than usual—just 12 items—but it contains several noteworthy highlights worth discussing.
If you’re new to stamp grading or curious about how it works, refer to this video.
Submission Overview
- Total Items Submitted: 12
- Processing Time: Approx. 45 days
- Valuation Source: GradingMatters.com (SMQ – Stamp Market Quarterly values)
- Sales Venue: US Stamp Shop on Facebook
Scott No. 4 — Graded VF 80 (No Gum As Issued)
- Condition: Sound, four clear margins
- SMQ Value: $14
- Sale Expectation: Approx. $11 (80% of SMQ)
This early imperforate issue is a strong example of VF centering. Though modest in value, it remains highly collectible in certified condition.
Scott No. 10 — Graded VF 80, Used
- Color: Orange Brown, Type I
- Faults: Small corner crease, laminated thin
- SMQ Value: $200
Despite the noted flaw, this stamp retains strong market value due to its generous margins. Its apparent XF appearance suggests it could have graded higher were it not for the minor fault.
Scott No. 367 — Graded XF 90, Never Hinged
- SMQ Value: $45
- Certification Cost: ~$30
Although not a profitable submission, this example reflects excellent centering. A “wash” in value, but ideal for a collector seeking high-grade early 20th-century stamps.
Scott No. 404 — Graded VF-XF 85, Used
- Issue: Pan-Pacific, Perf 10
- SMQ Value: $120
Well-centered for a notoriously difficult issue. A grade of 90 would have yielded $200 in value, but this is still a desirable used example for collectors of the 1913 Pan-Pacific series.
Scott No. 427 — Graded XF 90, Used
- Special Feature: Sock-on-the-nose cancel, San Francisco, June 1916
- SMQ Value: $40
Though beautifully centered with a visually appealing cancel, it did not receive a “J” (Jumbo) designation or bonus for the cancel. A strong candidate for a premium collection.
Scott No. 501 — Graded Superb 98, Never Hinged
- SMQ Value: $500
A standout example of an otherwise common issue. While Scott 501 in typical condition is worth only a few dollars, near-perfect centering drives its market value significantly.
Scott No. 610a — Imperf Pair Error (Verified)
- Type: Imperforate pair variety
- Scott Listing: 610a
- Catalogue Value: $2,000
This genuine imperforate-between error adds a rare and desirable item to the collection. Though the left margin was trimmed, the error status is verified and still valuable.
Scott No. 619 — Graded VF-XF 85, Never Hinged
- SMQ Value: $35
A visually strong example that unfortunately didn’t reach the 90+ threshold where value increases substantially. It remains an attractive addition to any mid-range collection.
Scott No. 634 — Dark Carmine Shade (Not 634A)
- Result: Not recognized as Scott 634A
- Catalogue Impact: $0
A disappointing result. The stamp was not confirmed as the valuable carmine lake variety. It will be retained for future comparison reference.
Scott No. 715 — Graded XF-Sup 95, Never Hinged
- SMQ Value: $40
While beautifully centered, it missed the 98 grade that would have elevated its value to $160. Still a sharp example from the Washington Bicentennial set.
Scott No. C14 — Graded Superb 98J, Previously Hinged
- Type: $1.30 Graf Zeppelin
- SMQ Value: $1,100
An exceptional result. The jumbo margin designation significantly increases value over typical VF examples. A highlight of the submission.
Scott No. RW39 — Graded XF-Sup 95, Never Hinged
- Issue Year: 1972
- SMQ Value: $120
Modern duck stamps rarely fetch high premiums unless they are near-perfect. This is a great example of how grading impacts even newer issues. A grade of 100 would have placed its value at $450.
This submission included a mix of speculative entries, premium issues, and learning opportunities. Some stamps graded as expected, others disappointed, and a few surprised with strong results. If you’re considering stamp grading, experiences like this underscore both the risk and potential reward.
For weekly premium listings, join the US Stamp Shop on Facebook, where I post 75+ U.S. graded stamps every week. Until next time—best of luck and happy collecting
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