Freshness

Freshness
"Freshness" is one of the important factors in evaluating a stamp's condition. Some others are GUM, CENTERING, and PRINTING.

The state of a stamp in regard to centering, color freshness, cancellation, and other related characteristics.
Cover:
The entire wrapping or envelope in which a letter has been sent through the mail.

The general state of a stamp or a cover. Condition relates to a stamp's centering, gum, perforations, freshness and color.
Controlled Mail: ...

Condition: The general state of a stamp or a cover. Condition relates to a stamp's centering, gum, perforations, freshness and color.

Very Good: A well centered stamp but may have minor imperfections such as freshness or color Good/Average: Not well centered or having minor flaws.

Usually this is a postage stamp, stamps or a postage meter stamp imprint or meter strip, but even the word "free" written on some U.S. military mail can serve as a franking. If the franking is an adhesive, its centering and freshness are important.

See also: Condition, Stamp, Centering, Fresh, Philatelic