Bidding Guidelines for Stamps & Postal History
Stamp Catalogs
Stamp Centering Grades
The current editions of Scott Catalogues are used, plus
where applicable, additional catalog values are listed from
Gibbons, Michel, Facit, Yvert & PSE's Stamp Market Quarterly
(SMQ).
Estimates
In addition to the catalog value, 'estimates' are listed for each
lot. You will find the estimates more reflective of the current
market, and what you can reasonably expect to pay for a lot.
You may, of course, bid higher or lower than the estimates.
You may also speak with a lot describer for a more detailed
description of a particular lot. Please call at least 72-hours
prior to the sale (the earlier, the better). Remember, a Public
Auction is not an approval service. Lots are not returnable
unless misdescribed.
Covers & Postcards
Covers should be expected to have slight reductions, minor
nicks and tears usually from opening. Folded letters normally
have one or two file folds, and these are not normally described
and are not grounds for return.
XF
Extremely Fine
Near perfect centering on all four
sides. A real gem.
VF
Very fine
Well centered, all perforations well
clear of design on all four sides, but
design slightly off center.
FVF Fine to Very Fine Perforations clear design on all four
sides, but design is off center usually
on two sides.
F
Fine
Perforations barely clear design, or
may touch on early issues prior to
1900.
AVE Average
Perforations cut into design.
IMPORTANT: Early stamp issues prior to 1900 were printed in such a way
that the design was naturally very close to the edges. This is taken into
consideration when grading. For SETS, the above classifications are used
in describing the overall appearance of the set with particular attention to
the high values.
Stamp Gum & Hinging
MNH Never Hinged
Limits
You may limit your total purchases by simply indicating the
amount on your bidding form. This way, for example, you can
bid on $5,000 worth of lots, but limit your purchases to $1,000.
Remember, all lots are sold in lot number order. Bids on specific
lots over and beyond your limit may be added to your purchase
if you indicate they are to be excluded from your limit.
'OR' Bids
– Bidding Increments –
Bids
Advance
$50 to $150.........................$5
$150 to $300.....................$10
$300 to $700.....................$25
$700 to $1,500..................$50
$1,500 to $3,000.............$100
Bids
LH Lightly Hinged Unused, original gum with light gum
disturbance from the removal of a
hinge. No hinge remnant present,
and only a trace of the hinge mark
visible.
H
You may bid on several similar lots with the assurance that you
will purchase only one of them. Simply place an 'OR' between
the bids submitted on the lots involved, and we will buy the first
'OR' lot for you, and void the rest. Remember, all lots are sold
in lot number order, so you may not indicate a preference for
one lot over another.
Hinged
(?)
Unused
$3,000 to $7,000.............$250
$7,000 to $15,000...........$500
$15,000 to $50,000......$1,000
$50,000 to $100,000....$2,500
$100,000 and up...........$5,000
19% buyer's premium added to the hammer price.
Bids below $50 respectfully declined.
All major credit cards accepted at no additional cost
Unused, original gum. Hinge marks
will be readily present, and there
may be some small pieces of the
hinge still adhering to the stamp.
No gum.
Stamp Symbols & Abbreviations
Mint, original gum,
never hinged
?
Unused, original gum,
hinged
(?) Unused, no gum
?
Used
?
Cover
?
Literature
?
Autograph
BOB Back of Book
BK
Complete booklet
CV
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