Home / Quality Classifications for Stamps & FDC Envelopes with International Coding - info

Quality Classifications for Stamps & FDC Envelopes with International Coding - info

Overview of internationally recognised quality classifications and coding for stamps and First Day Covers.

Clear explanation of gum condition, postal use, address status, flap type and folding, so you always know the exact condition of each item.

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Quality Designations for Postage Stamps & FDC Envelopes – International Coding

We use internationally recognised quality abbreviations for all our postage stamps and First Day Covers (FDCs). These codes clearly indicate whether a stamp is mint with original gum, has light or heavy hinge marks, has no gum, or has been genuinely used and cancelled in postal service. This system ensures transparent and precise quality assessment for all collectors.

Accurate quality grading is essential for both beginning and experienced collectors. The condition of a stamp or FDC significantly influences its collectible value, visual appeal, and suitability for inclusion in a high-quality collection.

Stamp Quality Designations

Code	Description	Explanation
MNH	Mint Never Hinged	Unused with original gum, never hinged. The highest grade.
MH	Mint Hinged	Unused with original gum, showing a visible hinge mark.
MNG	Mint No Gum	Unused but without gum due to age, washing, or issue without gum.
OG	Original Gum	With original gum; often paired with MNH or MH.
NH	Never Hinged	Never hinged (same meaning as MNH).
LH	Light Hinged	Light hinge mark, scarcely visible.
HH	Heavy Hinged	Heavy, clearly visible hinge mark.
HR	Hinge Remnant	A remnant of a hinge is still attached.
U	Used	Genuinely used and postally cancelled.
FU	Fine Used	Well cancelled with a clear, readable postmark.
VFU	Very Fine Used	Very well cancelled with a sharp, clean postmark.
CTO	Cancelled To Order	Cancelled for collectors; not postally used.
FDC	First Day Cover	Envelope cancelled on the official first day of issue.
On cover	On cover	Stamp remains on its original envelope.
Block	Block	Multiple adjoining stamps.
Sheet	Sheet	Complete, unseparated stamp sheet.

FDC – Address Status

Code	Description	Explanation
UA	Unaddressed	Blank FDC without an address.
A	Addressed	FDC with a handwritten or typed address.
ERA	Erased Address	Original address removed; slight traces may remain.

FDC – Flap Status

Code	Description	Explanation
OF	Open Flap	Rear flap is open.
CF	Closed Flap	Rear flap is fully closed.
TO	Top Open	Top edge opened (upper margin cut open).

FDC – Fold Status

Code	Description	Explanation
NF	Not Folded	Not folded; envelope lies completely flat.
F	Folded	Folded with a visible fold line.

Note:
All quality designations are applied as accurately as possible. Minor variations, especially in older issues, may occur.

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