Grading
Superb - Extraordinary item in the finest condition.
Extremely Fine - Outstanding and exceptional quality.
Very Fine - Choice, first-class condition.
Fine - Very Fine (F-VF) - Stamp or cover in sound condition; if a stamp, it is slightly less well-centered than Very Fine but better centered than Fine.
Fine - Sound in all respects. Perforated stamps will have the designs clear of the perforations; the designs of imperforate stamps will not be cut in to any significant degree.
Very Good (VG) - Imperfect centering (stamps) or poor general appearance.
Any stamp faults such as a thin spot, tear, crease, etc., will be described at all times. Postally used covers should be expected to have the normal degree of wear associated with them and this wear is not grounds for return of a lot. The grade of a cover is independent of the grade of the stamps on it. Covers from the famous Carroll-Hoy correspondence will normally have a small unobtrusive staple hole. In lots containing several items, degrees of condition denote the overwhelming average and examples above and below such condition can be expected.