First of all, one of the essential rules to remember is that the condition of a stamp is a highly important consideration. Badly torn and miss-handled stamps are not only unpleasant to the eye, but they are worth next to nothing when compared to their undamaged counterparts. Try to acquire the finest possible specimens. Stamps are rated in condition from poor to superb.

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A stamp which can be called “superb” is one of the finest quality. That means it has perfect centering, brilliant color and perfect gum. A used stamp can also be called superb, if it is perfectly centered, fresh looking, is lightly cancelled and undamaged.

A designation of fine means a stamp without flaws, average centering, gum with light hinge marks. Used stamps designated “fine” are not quite as fresh, cancels are heavier and centering is good.

“Good” stamps are those which are off-center, but fairly attractive. There may be minor defects such as disturbed gum, thin areas, heavy hinge marks. Stamps which fall below these standards should be ignored and are not worth acquiring by the serious collector; however beginners sometimes collect them as starters. These are known as “space fillers”.

Because their condition is so important — and stamps are only bits of paper after all — when handling them it is essential to remember to use caution. The best way to safely handle stamps is with tongs.

Because stamps are small, it is often difficult to see all of their minute detail with the naked eye. Magnifying glasses, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes, will help you not only see the design better, but also, in some instances discover small details which can help distinguish one stamp from another. You’ll soon learn that there are times when stamps appear to be the same, but are not.

Look-alike stamps frequently turn stamp collectors into Sherlock Holmes! Sleuthing is fun and a test of your knowledge and skill.

Source:

https://postalmuseum.si.edu/stamp-collecting/introduction-to-stamp-collecting/index.html