ASG Releases Designations

ASG offers several special designations to capture the excitement of newly issued stamps. These designations – Early Releases, First Releases and First Day of Issue – add distinction on the ASG certification label for select stamps received by ASG within a specified timeframe.

Stamps in ASG Holders

ASG Releases Designations should not be confused with grade-modifying designations such as Used and Mint. See the ASG Grading Scale for more information.

Early Releases and First Releases

ASG offers the Early Releases and First Releases designations for select stamps received by ASG or an ASG-approved depository within 30 days of the first release of a new stamp. The terms Early Releases or First Releases will be noted as part of the stamp description on the ASG label. Early Releases and First Releases are interchangeable and the same definition and relevant cutoff dates applies to each term.

To qualify for Early Releases or First Releases, a stamp must generally be received by ASG or an ASG-approved depository within the first 30 days of the stamp’s release.

A submitter wishing to have a stamp designated with the Early Releases or First Releases designation must indicate this request on the ASG submission form, and additional fees generally apply for the special label and designation verification.

In certain markets, ASG may offer bilingual Early Releases and First Releases labels. The same early Releases and First Releases definition and cutoff date will apply.

70th Anniversary 2019 China 20 Yuan First Release in ASG Holder
FAQs: Early Releases and First Releases

What stamps are eligible for Early Releases or First Releases?

ASG will generally post an article in the News section of its website to announce a stamp’s eligibility for Early Releases or First Releases. In addition, a list of eligible stamps and cutoff dates is posted here.

How do I submit stamps for Early Releases or First Releases?

Stamps may be submitted by selecting an appropriate ASG grading tier and requesting either Early Releases or First Releases. Only select stamps are eligible for Early Releases or First Releases. See a list of eligible cutoff dates here.

What are the cutoff dates for Early Releases and First Releases?

For a list of cutoff dates, click here.

What is a release date and how does ASG determine the cutoff dates for Early Releases and First Releases?

ASG calculates the cutoff date for Early Releases and First Releases based on the 'release date'. A release date is the day that a new stamp is first released from an issuing authority. In some cases, the issuing authority posts an official release date; in others, the release date is the first day an issuing authority posts an official release date; in others, the release date is the first day an issuing authority actually makes the new stamp available. The release date is not always the same as the sale date since some issuing authorities may offer stamps for sale before they are released.

For a list of cutoff dates, click here.

Do stamps need to be accompanied by the original packaging?

No, stamps do not need to be accompanied by original packaging, but they must arrive before the cutoff dates posted on the ASG website.

First Day of Issue

ASG offers the First Day of Issue designation for select stamps that are purchased within one day of the first day that a new stamp is made available for sale. In some cases, ASG may require a minimum submission quantity for stamps to receive the First Day of Issue designation. An article with submission instructions and grading fees will generally be posted to the ASG website prior to an eligible stamp’s release. In all cases, the First Day of Issue designation is available only by special request and will require a higher grading fee.

To qualify for First Day of Issue, stamps must be purchased within one day of the first day that a stamp is made available for sale and must be received by ASG or an ASG-approved depository within one week of the release date. ASG will require that the submitter provide adequate evidence (including purchase receipts) to demonstrate the date when the stamps were purchased.

70th Anniversary 2019 China 20 Yuan First Day of Issue in ASG Holder
FAQs: First Day of Issue

What stamps are eligible for the First Day of Issue designation?

Only certain stamps will be designated First Day of Issue by ASG. When this designation is available for a particular stamp, an article will generally be posted to the ASG website with submission instructions.

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.

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