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In order to avoid confusion, Michael Jaffe Stamps has made it extremely easy for you to determine your needs. Much information is listed under each pictured stamp. Each reads like a mini spread sheet. There are up to 23 different categories for each Federal Duck! To help you with the philatelic terms used throughout this catalog, please refer to the following explanations:

NH - Never Hinged; Original Gum; Just as you would expect to purchase a stamp from the post office.  The stamps have been extremely well cared for and no markings at all should be expected on the gum.   Natural gum skips (small) can be expected on the first 20 issues.

LH - Light Hinged; Original Gum; A stamp which has been mounted in a collection and well cared for. A small mark is left on the back of the stamp.  The hinge has been completely removed.

NG - Unsigned No Gum; The gum has usually been removed from stamps sold in this condition.  You can't tell the difference from the front of the stamp.  If your intention is to frame a set, I would highly recommend buying a set in this condition.

USED - The stamp has been used for the purpose it was intended for by having the owner sign the stamp.  Recent used duck stamps are very difficult to keep in stock.  Demand almost always exceeds supply.   Many of the recent ducks that become available have postal cancels.  These stamps are usually supplied from RW57 to date.

XF (Extremely Fine) - An almost perfectly centered stamp.  A real premium item.  Stamps in this condition  are the most sought after by discriminating collectors.  Stamps in this condition go up in price at a higher rate than the others.

VF (Very Fine) - A well centered stamp with perforations well clear of the design on all four sides.  This is the grade listed in Scott and Brookman catalogs

F-VF (Fine to Very Fine) - Perforations are well clear of the design on at least three sides with the remaining border still leaving ample room.  Stamps in F-VF condition are most acceptable for most collectors.

FINE - All perforations clear the design.   There are no faults with these stamps.  Most modern duck stamps are in at least F-VF condition.

AVE (Average) - Perforations may cut into the design, or a stamp may have a bend or crease.  Stamps with a straight edge are sold as average.  If you wish to put together an inexpensive collection, stamps in this condition make it possible.

FAULTY - Stamp may have short perfs, bad creases, thins, small tears, heavy signatures or a combination of these problems.

PLATE BLOCKS - Prices listed are for VF-XF Never Hinged.  If you would like F-VF, you may subtract 20%.  Please call for availability on the lower grade items.

ARTIST SIGNED - Mint stamps, autographed by the artist; gum may be expected but not guaranteed.  F-VF or better