Grading Nomenclature Used in the Scotts Catalogue
The Scott Catalogs, widely used in philately, utilize a specific grading nomenclature to assess the condition of stamps. This grading system helps collectors and enthusiasts understand the overall quality and state of preservation of a stamp. Here is a detailed description of the grading nomenclature commonly used in Scott Catalogs:
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Mint (M):
- Stamps in perfect, unused condition with full, undisturbed original gum as issued by the post office.
- Subcategories may include:
- “Mint, Never Hinged (MNH)”: Denotes stamps with original gum and without any hinge marks. Highly valued for their pristine condition.
- “Mint, Never Hinged (MNH)”: Denotes stamps with original gum and without any hinge marks. Highly valued for their pristine condition.
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Unused (U):
- Stamps with original gum that may have been previously hinged but still retain their full gum.
- The condition may vary, and stamps in this category may show signs of hinge remnants or disturbances to the gum.
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Unused Without Gum (UG):
- Stamps without any original gum. This category includes stamps that have lost their gum due to various reasons, such as hinge removal or natural aging.
- Stamps without any original gum. This category includes stamps that have lost their gum due to various reasons, such as hinge removal or natural aging.
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Used (Used):
- Stamps that have been canceled and used in the mail.
- May include a wide range of conditions, from lightly canceled stamps to those with heavy cancellations.
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No Gum (NG):
- Denotes stamps that lack original gum, and the absence of gum is intentional, not due to previous removal.
- Denotes stamps that lack original gum, and the absence of gum is intentional, not due to previous removal.
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Hinged (H):
- Indicates that a stamp was previously hinged in an album. Hinge marks may be present, and the stamp may have been lightly or heavily hinged.
- Indicates that a stamp was previously hinged in an album. Hinge marks may be present, and the stamp may have been lightly or heavily hinged.
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Unused, Regummed (R):
- Refers to stamps with original gum that has been replaced or regummed. Regumming is generally considered a negative factor in grading.
- Refers to stamps with original gum that has been replaced or regummed. Regumming is generally considered a negative factor in grading.
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Unused, Previously Hinged (PH):
- Describes stamps with original gum that were once hinged but show no hinge marks currently.
- Describes stamps with original gum that were once hinged but show no hinge marks currently.
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Used, Faulty (F):
- Denotes stamps with significant faults, such as tears, thins, or creases.
- Denotes stamps with significant faults, such as tears, thins, or creases.
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Unused, Faulty (UF):
- Similar to Used, Faulty, but specifically applies to stamps without gum.
Understanding this grading nomenclature is essential for collectors and investors in the philatelic world. It provides a standardized way to communicate the condition of stamps, facilitating accurate assessment and valuation. It’s important to note that individual dealers or collectors may use additional qualifiers or more detailed grading systems beyond what is outlined in the Scott Catalogs.