For each of the following points I assign a numerical value from one to ten, where one is extremely poor quality and ten is perfection.
Point 1) What is the condition of the cover? Is it torn or not; extraneous information written-upon it or not; or have a piece missing or whole? Does it have a stain or not; has it been folded or creased or not? All of these points would require a very low score.
Point 2) What is the size of the cover? Is it a standard personal size or an unusual size? Less desirable sizes are business, odd-shaped, and extremely large. In the U.S. an European size is considered less desirable generally. However, if you collect non-U.S. covers it should not be considered so.
Point 3) What is the condition of the stamps on the cover? Are they torn, have a piece missing or poorly centered?
Point 4) What is the condition of the postal markings? Are the faint, missing sections or smudged or are they clear, sharp and complete? Are all of the markings on one side of the envelope or both sides? Does it have all common postal markings or are there unusual ones? Note: Each postal marking must be judged separately and then the total points given are to be divided by the number of markings.
Here is an example of a cover that I have rated and my reason why I gave it the rating I did.
Front
First Point
The cover is clean, whole and stain free but shows some signs of being rumbled at bottom left. Therefore I assign it 8 points.
Second Point
It is a U.S. standard sized envelope. So, it receives 10 points.
Third Point
Being a postal stationery items it has no added adhesive stamps. Therefore, the points made are not applicable.
Fourth Point
There are 2 postal markings and 2 private markings. Looking at each I would make the following rating:
Postal Markings
Santa Ana marking – very clear, very sharp and 95% complete - 9.5 points
San Salvador “cogwheel” – very clear, very sharp and complete - 10 points
Private Markings
Via Panama & New York – clear, somewhat faint & complete - 8 points
Merchant marking – clear, sharp and complete - 9 points
Reverse
There are 3 postal markings and one merchant marking on the reverse
Postal Markings
2 Mannheim markings – very clear, very sharp and complete - 10 points each
Santa Ana marking in blue (between Mannheim markings) - clear, rather faint and complete - 7.5 points
Merchant marking
Clear, sharp and complete - 8 points
The total points for all markings – 72 points. Divided by number of markings – 9 points.
Thus, I would rate the cover with a total of 27 points, which I divide by 3 as the number of applicable points for a score of 9. Out of a possible score of 10 I would have to rate this as Extremely Fine.
What are your comments?
Posts
Hello Joseph,
ReplyDeleteIsn't your way of rating a cover a bit complicated? I use a rating from 1 (poor) til 5 (superior) which includes all aspects of the cover like postmarks, condition of stamps and cover etc.
Here in Europe, most of the cover collectors don't like the US format. I never upgrade a cover because of its size.
Hello Holger,
ReplyDeleteAlthough my procedure is more involved than what you suggest, I submit that it is less subjective and thus more precise.
I understand that European cover collectors prefer the format of their covers just as U.S. collectors prefer theirs and that is why I said that if you collect non-US covers to disregard the comment about size or use what size you prefer as the standard and downgrade other sizes. Sorry if I didn't make this clear.
Dear Joe,
ReplyDeleteI will comment point by point on what you say.
You point 1) I quite agree that the physical state of the cover is important of course, and one should get to know the state covers of a given country or specific iss of that country are braodly found in.
2) Yes, the style prevalent in a country has to be the standard as you say, for that ocuntry.
3)I agree with you on the whole here but I know an Asian country where a lot of correcspondecne is carried on by postal card.
The postal stationary ther eis graded and evlyuated first. I know this is epsecially true in China, Korea dn Taiwan.
4) Of ocurse your description is good here.
5 I have other criteria I apply as a postal
historian if you would like me to add them.
George Luzitano
Dear George,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. I would appreciate if you would add your criteria. I am always interested in hearing what other collectors have to say.
Joe