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Learn what condition, gum and cancellation mean, so you always know exactly what collector quality you are buying.
We use internationally recognised quality abbreviations for all stamps and First Day Covers (FDCs) to clearly indicate their condition and collectible quality. These classifications show whether a stamp is unused with original gum, hinged, without gum, or genuinely used in postal service.
For both new and experienced collectors, this information is essential to make a fair comparison between different stamps and FDCs. Condition strongly influences the value, appearance and suitability for inclusion in a collection.
By using fixed international standards, we ensure our quality descriptions are reliable, comparable and easy to understand. Below you will find an overview of all abbreviations and codes we use.
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MNH | Mint Never Hinged | Unused with original gum, never hinged. Highest grade. |
| MH | Mint Hinged | Unused with original gum, with visible hinge mark. |
| MNG | Mint No Gum | Unused, but without gum. |
| OG | Original Gum | With original gum, often used together with MH or MNH. |
| NH | Never Hinged | Never hinged (same meaning as MNH). |
| LH | Light Hinged | Light hinge mark. |
| HH | Heavy Hinged | Heavy hinge mark, clearly visible. |
| HR | Hinge Remnant | Remnant of a hinge still on the stamp. |
| U | Used | Postally used and cancelled. |
| FU | Fine Used | Nicely used with a clear, readable cancel. |
| VFU | Very Fine Used | Very nicely used, sharp and clean cancel. |
| CTO | Cancelled To Order | Cancelled for collectors, not genuinely postally used. |
| FDC | First Day Cover | Official first day cover with first day cancel. |
| On cover | On cover | Stamp remains on the original envelope or cover. |
| Block | Block | Multiple stamps still attached together. |
| Sheet | Sheet | Complete, unseparated stamp sheet. |
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| UA-FDC | Unaddressed FDC | Blank FDC without any address. |
| A-FDC | Addressed FDC | FDC with written or typed address. |
| ERA-FDC | Erased Address FDC | Original address has been removed (minor traces may remain). |
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| OF | Open Flap | Back flap is open, envelope not sealed. |
| CF | Closed Flap | Back flap is closed, envelope sealed. |
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NF | Not Folded | Not folded, FDC is completely flat. |
| F | Folded | Folded, with visible fold line. |
Note:
Quality classifications are applied as accurately as possible. Minor variations within the same category may occur, especially with older issues, for both stamps and FDCs. All descriptions are honest, transparent and in line with market practice.
