U. S. Scott #341 - Used - Graded Good (LA01-0016-02-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

341

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1909

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #341 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
50¢ Violet – George Washington, 1909
(Washington-Franklin Series – Engraved, Perf 12, Double-Line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #341 is a 50¢ violet engraved stamp issued in 1909 as part of the Washington-Franklin series. The design features a profile portrait of George Washington surrounded by laurel leaves, with the denomination “50 CENTS 50” inscribed at the bottom and “U.S. POSTAGE” at the top. This issue was printed on double-line watermarked paper and perforated 12. As one of the higher denomination stamps of the series, it was typically used for large-value parcels and international mail.

The example evaluated is postally used, bears no original gum, and has been hinged with a visible remnant on the reverse. It also has a natural straight edge on the left.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp retains visible white space around all four sides of the design, including the left side where a natural straight edge replaces normal perforations. The right margin is the widest, while the top margin is slightly narrow. Vertical centering is somewhat high but still within tolerance for the Fine/Very Fine classification.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has two notable issues: a natural straight edge on the left and a hinge remnant on the reverse. The straight edge is considered a full fault under the PSE grading system, while the hinge remnant qualifies as a very minor fault. Combined, these place the stamp in the Fault category for soundness.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 12 on three sides, with a natural straight edge on the left. The remaining perforations are intact, clean, and well aligned. The right side shows the most generous spacing, while the top margin is comparatively narrow.

Cancellation Classification:
The cancellation is moderate to heavy, running diagonally from upper right to lower left, covering much of Washington’s portrait and the lower portion of the stamp. While not obliterating the image entirely, it is fairly dark and distracting.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 49
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 39 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 341
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (natural straight edge, hinge remnant)
Perforations: Perf 12 (3 sides), natural straight edge on left
Cancellation: Heavy diagonal cancel across portrait
Eye Appeal: –10 point deduction
Final Grade: 39 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #341 is well-centered for the issue and retains full design visibility, but its value is diminished by the presence of a natural straight edge and hinge remnant. A heavy cancel further reduces the visual impact, yielding a final grade of 39 (Good) per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (827)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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