About
The Stamp Analyser by Rakium is a dedicated philatelic application built for stamp collectors and enthusiasts who demand accurate, objective grading of postage stamps. The tool digitally measures stamp perforations, the stamp frame, and the balance among the four margins to produce a precise centering grade — removing all guesswork from the evaluation process. Users simply supply a high-quality scan or photograph of a stamp, and the software automatically performs the analysis. On Mac and PC, images can be dragged and dropped directly into the interface. On iPad and iPhone, stamps can be photographed in real time or selected from the photo library. The application also allows measurement of the distance between any two points on an image, offering added flexibility for detailed philatelic inspections. For collectors seeking a comprehensive grade, the Stamp Analyser optionally includes Soundness and Eye Appeal components modeled on the PSE (Professional Stamp Experts) Grading Guide, delivering a complete, standards-compliant quality assessment. The user interface is designed to be intuitive and accessible to collectors of all experience levels. Developed by Rakium Inc., a software development company based in Hudson, Quebec, Canada and established in 2007, the Stamp Analyser was built in part with exclusive rights from the holder of US patent No. 5,018,207. It is available for Windows 10, macOS, iPhone, and iPad, making it a versatile companion for both home and field use.
Key Features
- Perforation Measurement: Digitally measures stamp perforations with high accuracy, eliminating the need for manual gauges.
- Centering Grade Calculation: Analyzes the stamp frame and the balance among all four margins to produce an objective centering grade.
- Point-to-Point Distance Tool: Measures the distance between any two points on a scanned or photographed stamp image for detailed analysis.
- PSE Grading Guide Integration: Optionally adds Soundness and Eye Appeal grading components based on the PSE Grading Guide for a complete quality assessment.
- Multi-Platform Support: Runs on Mac, Windows 10, iPhone, and iPad with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface on desktop and camera/photo-library support on mobile.
Use Cases
- Grading postage stamps for personal collection cataloguing and record-keeping
- Evaluating stamp centering and perforation quality before buying or selling at auction
- Authenticating and assessing rare stamps using standardized PSE-based grading components
- Measuring stamp perforations and margin balance for philatelic research and documentation
- Performing on-the-go stamp analysis at fairs or shows using iPhone or iPad
Pros
- Objective, Precise Grading: Replaces subjective guesswork with digital measurement, producing consistent and repeatable centering grades.
- Cross-Platform Availability: Available on Mac, Windows, iPhone, and iPad, giving collectors flexibility for both home desk use and mobile grading on the go.
- Standards-Compliant Assessment: Optional PSE Grading Guide components allow collectors to produce grades that align with widely recognized philatelic standards.
Cons
- Highly Niche Application: The tool is purpose-built for stamp collectors only, limiting its appeal to a very specific audience.
- Image Quality Dependency: Accuracy relies on providing a high-quality scan or photograph; poor images can lead to less reliable measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Stamp Analyser measure?
It digitally measures stamp perforations, the stamp frame, and the balance among the four margins to determine the centering grade. It can also measure the distance between any two points on a stamp image.
What image sources can I use with the Stamp Analyser?
You can use scanned images, photographs taken with a camera or smartphone, or images sourced from websites. The key requirement is that the image is clear and of good quality.
Which platforms does the Stamp Analyser support?
The Stamp Analyser is available for Windows 10, Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
Does the Stamp Analyser follow official grading standards?
Yes. You can optionally add Soundness and Eye Appeal components to the grade, which are based on the PSE (Professional Stamp Experts) Grading Guide.
Who developed the Stamp Analyser?
The Stamp Analyser was developed by Rakium Inc., a software development and consulting company located in Hudson, Quebec, Canada, established in 2007. It was built in part using exclusive rights from the holder of US patent No. 5,018,207.
