Condition

Condition is a factor that has a direct, and considerablebearing upon the value of your stamps. Reduced to itssimplest terms, a stamp that is torn in half would notbe worth as much as the same stamp in perfect condition.It doesn't take an expert to recognize that. But "condi-tion" in philately carries far greater connotations.

Basically, collectors prefer that their stamps be inchoice condition. Unused stamps should have the gumintact, the design of the stamp should be well centered,leaving even margins on all sides between the design andthe perforations, and the perforations themselves shouldbe without blemish and with no teeth missing.