Pedigrees
A pedigree is generally used to indicate a stamp’s present or past ownership. As in the art world, a stamp’s provenance can be an important factor in determining its authenticity, and a stamp that was once part of a famous collection may be more desirable to some collectors.
Submitters to ASG may request that a stamp formerly owned by a famous collector be pedigreed to that collector on the ASG certification label. ASG must receive sufficient evidence to confirm the requested pedigree. Examples of this evidence may include:
- The submitted stamp can be matched to a picture in a catalog of the collection prepared by a reputable auction house or dealer.
- The submitted stamp is received in a sealed holder prepared by a reputable auction house or dealer that indicates the name of the collection.
ASG pedigrees will typically be the current or previous owner’s surname followed by the word “Collection.” In the case of a very few select collections, the word “Collection” is omitted on the ASG certification label. These include well-known and widely publicized collections.
A submitter to ASG may request that ASG pedigree a stamp to his or her own collection on the ASG certification label. In virtually all cases, the pedigree must be the submitter’s surname followed by the word “Collection.” Note: If the submitter’s surname is the same as a famous person’s surname, ASG may reject the pedigree or require that the submitter’s given name and surname be used.
ASG will sometimes add a pedigree to indicate that a stamp came from a specific government issue. ASG may also use a pedigree to mark an event (such as a trade show) or to provide additional identifying information about the stamp.
Companies may request to add their name to a ASG certification label. ASG will generally not pedigree a stamp to a company unless that request comes directly from that company.
In most cases, a pedigree appears on the ASG certification label on one or two lines below the stamp’s grade.
Recognition and attribution of pedigrees is at ASG’s sole discretion. ASG will not recognize a pedigree that it believes could be confused with another pedigree. Grading and service fees are not refundable if ASG chooses to decline recognition or attribution of a requested pedigree. ASG will use its best efforts to ensure the accuracy of its pedigree attributions; however, pedigree attributions are not guaranteed under the ASG Guarantee.
FAQs
How do I request that a pedigree be added to the ASG certification label?
If you would like a pedigree added to the ASG certification label, you should select the Pedigree service and stamp the request in bold letters on the ASG submission form. Be sure to indicate whether the request applies to all stamps on the form or only specific stamps. You should also provide any evidence that may be helpful to ASG in confirming the pedigree.
There is an additional $5 fee to attribute a stamp to a collection, including your own. Stamps already encapsulated by ASG may be submitted under an applicable ASG ReHolder service with the Pedigree service selected.
Recognition and attribution of pedigrees is at ASG’s sole discretion. ASG will not recognize a pedigree that it believes could be confused with another pedigree. Grading and services fees are not refundable if ASG chooses to decline recognition or attribution of a requested pedigree.
Does a pedigree add value to a stamp?
Stamps pedigreed to a famous collection may sell for a premium or be more desirable, but this varies based on the stamp, collection and market conditions. Many pedigrees do not add any premium to a stamp’s value. It is important to fully understand the meaning of a particular pedigree and research stamp values before any purchase.
What does it mean when a stamp is pedigreed to an event such as a trade show?
ASG will sometimes pedigree stamps to a trade show to commemorate the event. This pedigree does not necessarily mean that the stamps were purchased at the trade show. For example, the notation may be used for samples that will be given away at the show or for stamps that will be sold by a dealer at the show. This notation is generally used only for select bulk submissions or for samples prepared by ASG.
Besides collections and trade shows, what other pedigrees are used by ASG?
In most cases, pedigrees are used to identify the present or past owner of a stamp or to commemorate an event. On occasion, ASG will use pedigrees to provide other identifying information, such as the name of a trade show.
Are pedigrees covered by the ASG Guarantee?
ASG will use its best efforts to ensure the accuracy of its pedigree attributions; however, pedigree attributions are not guaranteed under the ASG Guarantee.