U. S. Scott #377 - Used - Graded FR/G (LA01-0017-04-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

377

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1911

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #377 (Used, Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
4¢ Brown – George Washington, 1910
(U.S. Washington-Franklin Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 12, Single-Line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #377, issued in 1910, is part of the Washington-Franklin series. It depicts a left-facing portrait of George Washington framed by a laurel wreath, symbolizing honor and accomplishment. “U.S. POSTAGE” appears at the top, with the denomination “4 CENTS” displayed at the bottom in rectangular panels. This example is used, hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp is well centered, with perforations clear of the design on all sides. One or two margins are somewhat narrow, but the frame lines remain intact. The bottom margin is the most narrow, while the left is the widest. This positioning qualifies as Fine/Very Fine centering under PSE guidelines.

Soundness Evaluation:
This example displays multiple perforation faults, including clipped, pulled, and short perforations. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this constitutes a Major Fault requiring a deduction of 45 points.
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault classification)

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12, consistent with the issue. Several perforations are short, pulled, or clipped, diminishing overall soundness. Margins otherwise fit Fine/Very Fine centering.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a moderately heavy black cancel struck horizontally across Washington’s portrait. While the cancel obscures parts of the face and laurel wreath, the design remains recognizable. This qualifies as a Heavy cancel under PSE standards.

Collector’s Note:
Washington-Franklin issues are prone to perforation damage due to their delicate paper and heavy postal use. Although this example retains strong color, the combination of perf faults and cancel placement reduces its desirability.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color remains bold and the engraving distinct. However, the perforation damage and moderately heavy cancel detract from its presentation. An additional deduction of –5 points is applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 32
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 27 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 377
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (clipped, pulled, and short perforations)
Perforations: Perf 12, damaged with multiple faults
Cancellation: Heavy black cancel across portrait
Eye Appeal: –5 deduction for cancel placement and perforation condition
Final Grade: 27 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #377 shows Fine/Very Fine centering with strong color, but the presence of multiple major perforation faults and a heavy cancel lower its standing. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it receives a final grade of 27, Fair/Good. It remains collectible as a representative example of the 1910 Washington-Franklin issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (832)

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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