Notes of Grading Duck Stamps
Most stamps were graded by my dad, Tom Richardson, and are in their original packaging with his handwritten notes.
In future, stamps will be graded by software.
Mint: Never Hinged Original Gum. Just as issued by the Post Office.
Unused: With Gum - Having hinge mark or other light gum disturbance.
Gem: 100
Superb: 98
XF-Superb: 95
XF: Extremely Fine. Nearly perfect centering.
VF-XF: Very Fine to Extra Fine. Well-centered design
VF: Very Fine. May be slightly off-center on one or two sides but well clear of the edge and presents a nice balanced appearance.
F-VF: Fine to Very Fine. Somewhat off-center on one side or slightly off center on two sides. Perfs are well clear of the design, but are still noticeably off-center.
FINE: Fine. Noticeably off-center on two sides, but perfs do not touch design.
AVG: Average. Perfs may touch or cut into design, minor flaws or defects may occur. Stamps with a strait-edge, crease or bend are sold as average.
FAULTY: Tears, stains, cuts or other disturbances..
RG: Re-gummed
GS: Gum Skip
Serial Numbers on Indian Reservation stamps will be similar to those pictured.
Plate Number Blocks: RW 1 through RW 25 and RW 31 were issued with the plate no. at the top or bottom of the pane. A plate block of these issues consists of 6 stamps with selvage on two sides and plate no. near center. All others were issued with the plate no. in the corner of the pane, and a plate block consists of 4 stamps with selvage on two sides and a plate number near the corner. As many of these plate blocks are one-of-a-kind, please call and verify availability before ordering.
No Gum: Without Gum - Appears unused but without gum. Often best for framing.
Used: Signed by hunter or bearing postal cancellations or other markings.