Label Grading

9 Mint - No signs of foxing or trimming.  Image is clear and centered.  Label may have very subtle signs of handling or aging.  (A label with very subtle evidence of aging/yellowing, that is otherwise fully fresh and mint, may qualify for this grade.)  Can have several small printing imperfections.

8 Near Mint - Very minimal handling and slight to moderate aging or yellowing within margin only.  No tears.

7 Excellent - One or possibly more of the following (not affecting the image):  Slight soiling, slight foxing, light handling, minimal edge wear, slight aging, or yellowing.  Note:  a single ¼” margin tear without other problems may still be graded “Excellent".

6 Very Fine - Combination of the following:  soiling (in margin only), light foxing, margin creases, or slight edge wear.  Only one of the following problems affecting the image, but not at the image’s focal point:  slight soiling, foxing.  Small nicks or a few very slight tears at border of the label only.

5 Fine - Some of the following:  Soiling, foxing, creases, edge wear.  The problems affecting the image are limited to very light soiling or foxing.  Minor tears that do not reach image.

4 Very Good - Several of the following:  soiling, foxing, flaking or creases that minimally affect image.  Tears extend to edge of image only.

3 Good - Soiling, foxing, flaking, and creases throughout image but can only have light to medium damage to the surface of the image.  (Cannot be trimmed into image).  Tears into edge of the image only.

2 Fair - Major problems.  Image intact.  Trimmed into image (90% of image intact).  Soiling, flaking, or foxing that diminishes the beauty of the image. Creases may extend into or across image.  Tear(s) extend into image. Majority of image intact.

1 Poor - Major problems.  Image damage or trimmed into image (holes, tears, rips, heavy soiling or foxing, heavy color flaking).