U. S. Scott #370 - Unused - Graded F/VF (LA01-0017-03-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

370

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

75 (F/VF)

Year of Issue

1909

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #370 (Mint, Never Hinged, Original Gum)

Design Overview:
Scott #370 is a 2-cent carmine commemorative stamp issued in 1909 for the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition held in Seattle, Washington. It features an engraved left-facing portrait of William H. Seward, the U.S. Secretary of State who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. The ornate design includes scrollwork around the portrait, with “U.S. POSTAGE” inscribed at the top and “TWO CENTS” at the bottom.

This example is mint, never hinged, with original gum intact.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine - F/VF)
✔ The stamp is well-centered for the issue, though one or two margins are visibly narrower.
✔ Perforation holes are clear of the design, with at least 0.4mm margins, meeting the Fine/Very Fine (F/VF) standard.
✔ No side of the design is touching or cutting into the perforations.

Soundness Evaluation:
✔ Very Minor Fault: Perf Tip Crease
✔ Classified as a Very Minor Fault, requiring a deduction of -5 points per PSE guidelines.

Perforations & Margins:
✔ The perforations are intact, with no missing or pulled perfs.
✔ Margins are narrow on at least one side but do not intrude into the design.
✔ Meets the Fine/Very Fine standard for spacing between the frame lines and perforations.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
✔ The stamp has strong, bright color and full freshness.
✔ No discoloration, fading, or toning is present.
✔ Given the crisp impression and overall aesthetic, an eye appeal bonus of +2 points is warranted.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine/Very Fine Centering) 76
Soundness Deduction (Very Minor Fault - Perf Tip Crease) -5
Eye Appeal Bonus (Strong color & freshness) +2
Final Numerical Grade 73 (Fine - F)

Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 370
Condition Mint, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering 76 (Fine/Very Fine - F/VF)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (Perf Tip Crease)
Perforations Intact, no pulled perfs, narrow margins but clear of the design
Eye Appeal Strong color, fresh impression, no fading or discoloration
Final Grade 73 (Fine - F)

? Final Verdict:
This mint, never-hinged example of Scott #370 has Fine/Very Fine centering (76) and strong color retention, making it a visually appealing example. However, the very minor perf tip crease results in a -5 point deduction, bringing the base grade to 71. Given its strong color and freshness, a +2 point eye appeal bonus raises the final numerical grade to 73 (Fine - F).

While not a high-grade example due to the minor fault, this stamp remains an attractive and desirable collectible with its rich color and fresh appearance.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (845)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions