U. S. Scott #381 - Used - Graded G/VG (LA01-0017-05-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

381

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1911

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #481 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
10¢ Orange Yellow – George Washington, 1917
(Washington-Franklin Series – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 10, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #481 is a 10¢ orange yellow stamp issued in 1917 as part of the Washington-Franklin series. The design features a left-facing bust of George Washington encircled by a laurel wreath, with “U.S. POSTAGE” at the top and “10 CENTS 10” along the bottom. It was printed using the flat plate method on unwatermarked paper and is perforated 10 on all four sides.

The submitted example is a postally used single with no original gum and visible hinge remnants. The stamp has strong color and impression, but suffers from tight margins and some loss of detail due to the cancellation.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 51 (Very Good)
The top and left margins are extremely narrow, with perforations appearing to touch or slightly cut into the frame on both sides. The right margin is visibly wider. These characteristics are consistent with a "Very Good" centering grade per PSE definitions, with margins as small as 0.1mm or slightly negative.

Soundness Evaluation:
There is a hinge remnant on the reverse, which constitutes a very minor fault. No other defects are present.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –10 points

Perforations and Margins:
The perforations (gauge 10) are consistent with the issue and are full and intact. The edges are complete and free of trimming or significant irregularity. Margins are extremely tight on the top and left sides, but the frame remains mostly intact.

Cancellation Classification:
The black cancellation is diagonal and strikes across the upper-left quadrant of the portrait. It is not overly heavy and leaves the facial features of Washington clearly visible. This would be classified as a Moderate Cancel, and no additional deduction is required.
Cancellation Classification: Moderate Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 51 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –10 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 41
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 41 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 481
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 51 (Very Good)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (hinge remnant)
Perforations: Perf 10, intact and consistent
Cancellation: Moderate, partial strike across upper-left
Eye Appeal: No adjustment
Final Grade: 41 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
While the color and print quality remain strong, the tight margins and hinge remnant reduce the grade of this Scott #481 to 41. Its centering is firmly within the Very Good range, and despite the moderate cancel, the portrait is still discernible, allowing it to retain collectible value in the G/VG tier.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (721)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Bids
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions