Existing comment:
For collecting purposes, quality also refers to the condition of a stamp. Collectors and philatelic professionals rate stamp quality -- from Good to Superb -- based on several factors. These include: centering, gum condition, perforations, impression, color, and freshness. If the stamp has been used, the cancellation's position and appearance are important.
For certain stamps, the difference in value between a top-quality item and a mediocre or damaged example can be significant. Collectors also consider the condition of envelopes, generally avoiding folds, stains, tears, and smears. However, sometimes flawed or damaged material is particularly collectible, such as crash mail or misperforated stamps.
Engraving for stamps. Until the mid-1900s, most postage stamps were produced from steel engravings, usually in a single color. The most prominent and prolific engraver of art for stamps was Czeslaw Slania (1921-2005), who engraved portraits, landscapes, action scenes and tiny type for 1,000 stamps issued by more than thirty countries, including the United States. Slania's extraordinary talent and legendary perfectionism gave the world some of its most exquisite stamps. |