UPDATED: ASG Grading On-site in Hong Kong, China in May 2020

Authenticated Stamp Guaranty™ (ASG®) will conduct on-site authentication, grading and encapsulation of stamps in Hong Kong, China, in May 2020. This is the first time that ASG, an affiliate of Numismatic Guaranty Corporation™ (NGC®), Numismatic Conservation Services™ (NCS®) and Paper Money Guaranty™ (PMG®), has offered on-site grading in Hong Kong, China.

On-site grading allows submitters to receive a significantly faster turnaround time for their submissions. As an added benefit, ASG will not charge any additional fees for on-site stamp grading. For a list of ASG Hong Kong, China Services and Fees, click here.

A China 2019 PRC 70th Anniversary 1.20 Yuan graded ASG XF/Superb 95 with the First Day of Issue designation; a Hong Kong, China 1998 Hong Kong Kites $3.1 graded ASG XF/Superb 95 Mint OG; and a Macau, China 2017 Lotus 2 Patacas graded ASG XF/Superb 95 Mint OG. Click images to enlarge.

ASG was established in 2017 to provide an accurate, consistent and impartial assessment of a stamp’s authenticity and grade, replicating the successful models used by NGC for coins and PMG for banknotes. ASG has already certified approximately 100,000 stamps, each one backed by the comprehensive ASG Guarantee of authenticity and grade, which provides significantly greater protection to collectors.

ASG employs a team of expert stamp graders whose combined experience results in unparalleled accuracy and consistency. To ensure impartiality, ASG and its full-time graders do not buy and sell stamps commercially, and strict procedures are in place to prevent consultants from influencing the grades assigned to their own submissions.

Stamps are graded according to an internationally accepted grading scale of 1 to 100, which is considered to be the industry standard. To learn more about the ASG Stamp Grading Scale, click here.

After authentication and grading, stamps are encapsulated in ASG holders, which are made of high-quality, inert materials to provide an elegant display and long-term preservation. Numerous security features, including an advanced hologram, protect against counterfeiting. To learn more about the ASG holders, click here.

“ASG is thrilled to provide its expert stamp grading services on-site in Hong Kong, China for the first time in May 2020,” says Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of ASG and its affiliated companies. “As philately continues to thrive in Hong Kong, China, we look forward to making our expertise increasingly available to collectors in the region.”

Stamps eligible for the ASG Hong Kong, China On-site Grading Event include most stamps issued by the People’s Republic of China, including Hong Kong and Macau, China, from 1950 to present. Chinese stamps issued during the Cultural Revolution, Chinese stamps issued before the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and stamps from other countries will be accepted on a case-by-case basis only. For a list of ASG holder sizes, click here.

The ASG Hong Kong, China On-site Grading Event will be held May 18-23, 2020, at the office of NGC Hong Kong Ltd. (NGC Hong Kong), ASG’s Hong Kong affiliate in China.

Submissions must be received by Monday, May 18, to be eligible. All submissions are expected to be ready for pickup on Monday, May 25. 

Submissions will be accepted from paid ASG Collector members and ASG Authorized Dealers. ASG submission privileges are included for no additional fee for all paid NGC and PMG Collector members. NGC and PMG Authorized Dealers who wish to submit for ASG grading can contact NGC Hong Kong for a simple application.

Not a member? For just $25 per year, you can gain direct submission privileges to ASG, NGC and PMG. A membership application will be available from NGC Hong Kong or at ASGstamps.hk/Join soon.

ASG Hong Kong, China Submission Forms will be posted to ASGstamps.hk in January.

For more information and to submit, contact NGC Hong Kong:

Suites 1208-10, 12/F, Tower 1,
The Gateway, Harbour City
25 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui,
Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
Phone: +852 2115-3639
Email: Service@NGCcoin.hk
By Appointment Only