Stamps 'r us: know their grade and condition

Collecting stamps is a worthwhile if not a very lucrative hobby.  But more than simply gathering them, it is just as important that their condition and grade be well determined by its collector. 

Serious stamp collecting requires discipline and sufficient knowledge thereby allowing the collector to save appropriate money and time to build a strong and sufficient collection. 

Believe it or not, there are available catalogs that provide an outline of a stamp's relationship between its grade and value.  Even modern-day technology such as the internet offers no respite from sound stamp descriptions since some stamp faults could very well escape the eye of the scanner. 

Basically, the grading and condition of a stamp is the same for all stamp collectors in any part of the world.  So how does a stamp get to make that all-elusive grade?
What is a grade?

First things first, a grade involves centering, gum and cancels.  It basically describes the design of the stamp and just how well the design is located right in the middle and in between the stamp's perforations. 

The stamp must be looked at both vertically and horizontally on the stamp paper. 
The grading of stamps is similar to how a grade will be given out in an exam in schools, such as:  excellent or poor.

The grades

A stamp that has been given a "superb" grade basically means that it is perfect and possesses the qualities that are the finest. 

A grade that says "extremely fine" basically means that the stamp is almost close to perfection.  It also means that the design is centered well.  The margins are even around the stamp. 

Cancels present in such a stamp are hardly perceptible and are generally neat.  The condition of the stamp is bright; it possesses a rich color and is clean.  Although most stamps made early on are seldom, if not never, seen in such a condition. 

Stamps that are given the grade of "very fine" are centered well.  It is also balanced and the margins are appropriate, though not even.  Just as the previous grade, the stamp possesses no undesirable faults.  Believe it or not, it is this grade that is usually used in many stamp catalogs.

A stamp that has been given a grade of fine or very fine means that it has a design that is a little off-center.  The general condition of the stamp is that it has no such faults.

Meanwhile, a stamp that has been given the grade of fine is where the design could be found as not centered, both vertically as well as horizontally.  However, the stamp's general condition is that it possesses no faults.
A stamp that has been given the grade of average or good mean that its design is not centered. 
There are no available tears or spots that are thin.  Stamps that are given such a grade are collected less.

A stamp that has been given the grade of poor means that the design is not centered and the found perforations extend into the stamp's design.  The cancellation marks are also heavy, thick, blurred and smeared.  Stamps with such a grade are generally not suited to be collected.

What are the conditions of the stamp? 

A stamp's condition is the basic description of its obvious characteristics, such as the stamp paper used, the ink, or the gum. 

A stamp that has been given the condition of positive generally means that the stamp is clear, and has a crisp impression of its printing.  It also has colors that are rich and fresh. 
However, faults may be considered when there is any part that has been damaged, altered or modified.  The color of the stamp may also be stained.  In such cases, any attempt to clean it up may just as well result to the color being changed permanently.   The stamp may also be considered as having faults if the paper has some holes, or maybe torn, or has creases or stains.

All in all, a perfect stamp may or may not be that hard to find.  What is definite is that what one seeks one shall definitely find.  Though it could take numerous and stamps upon stamps of searching, it is definitely out there.