I accidentally purchased this item twice and have been storing the duplicate in a dark place. The paper has some yellowing on the surface, but otherwise, there are no particularly noticeable scratches or stains. Please refrain from purchasing if you are looking for a perfect item. When shipping, I plan to wrap the item in plastic and place it in an envelope or cardboard box without any cushioning material. If you have any concerns about the packaging or shipping method, please consult with me before purchasing.