Understanding Stamps Graded 98 or 100 by PSE
To begin with, what is PSE? Professional Stamp Experts (PSE) is a leading company in the field of stamp grading. The company provides stamp grading and authentication services for US and worldwide stamps. When a stamp is submitted, it undergoes a thorough examination by multiple experts who evaluate its condition, and grade, issuing a Certificate of Authenticity that assures collectors of its legitimacy and value. PSE’s grading and certification standards are widely accepted in the philatelic community, making their graded certificates highly desirable for collectors and dealers alike.
Grade 100 Gem
PSE’s Grading System
PSE uses a standardized grading system to evaluate the quality and appearance of US stamps. Grades run from 10 to 100, with higher numbers indicating a stamp closer to perfection. The rarest and most desirable grades in this scale are 98 (Superb) and 100 (Gem).
For unused stamps, both conditions require a stamp to be without fault in Post Office Fresh condition. It must be never hinged with original gum. The gum should be perfect, without any creases or wrinkles.
A stamp with a grade of 98 must be extremely well centered with reasonably large margins. The stamp should visually appear to be perfectly centered, with a close examination required to detect a slight shift.
A grade of 100 means that the stamp has four equal large margins and outstanding eye appeal. A close examination will find that the stamp’s centering is mathematically perfect.
Grade 98 Superb
SMQ Pricing of Stamps
SMQ (formerly the Stamp Market Quarterly) is a publication that provides market-based pricing information for United States postage stamps. Published by PSE, SMQ compiles data from auctions and dealer transactions to reflect how various US stamps have been selling, broken down by their PSE grade. The online version of the price sheet can be found at GradingMatters.com.
PSE Graded Stamps Available from Mystic Stamp Company
Mystic Stamp Company offers collectors the opportunity to purchase stamps graded by PSE. And many of them are available at a large discount off the SMQ estimated price. Stamps graded at 100 Gem quality can be found up to 40% off, with even greater savings on those graded 98 Superb. To find these stamps, look for the condition 98 Superb, Never Hinged and 100 Superb, Never Hinged (see the example below).
