U. S. Scott #384 - MH - [LA01-0017-05-04]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

384

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1911

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #384 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – George Washington, 1910
(Washington-Franklin Series – Imperforate, Single Line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #384 is a 2¢ carmine imperforate stamp from the Washington-Franklin series, issued in 1910. The design features a left-facing engraved portrait of George Washington enclosed by laurel leaves and ribbon flourishes. It was printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on soft paper with a single-line USPS watermark, and issued in imperforate sheets intended to be separated by cutting.

This example is unused, hinged, and retains its original gum. It displays strong color and an overall well-balanced presentation but shows a light ink transfer on the reverse, impacting its soundness grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The right margin is the widest, with the top margin being the narrowest.
All four margins retain visible white space, and the design is completely boxed in.
Slight imbalance is present but remains within the threshold for Fine/Very Fine according to PSE's standards for imperforates (approx. 0.4mm minimum margin).

Soundness Evaluation:
This Stamp Has One Noted Flaw:
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer on the back, likely from sheet pressure or storage contact.
This qualifies as a Very Minor Fault per the PSE Grading Guide. No other faults such as creases, thins, stains, or edge damage are observed.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –7 points
Adjusted Base Grade: 72 (Fine)

Perforations and Margins:
As an imperforate issue, the key focus is margin size and completeness:
The stamp is well cut, with all four margins intact and free of trimming into the design.
Slight asymmetry is present but the framelines are full and balanced enough for F/VF centering.
No evidence of scissors mishandling or margin clipping.

Cancellation Classification:
Not applicable – this stamp is unused.

Eye Appeal:
Strong color, clean impression, and well-maintained freshness.
The light ink transfer is not visible from the front and does not detract from the stamp’s eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –7 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 384
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (ink transfer on reverse)
Perforations: Imperforate – all margins full and intact
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: No adjustment
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged Scott #384 is a well-centered and visually appealing example of an early Washington-Franklin imperforate. Its centering qualifies as Fine/Very Fine, and the single very minor fault—light ink transfer on the reverse—results in a modest soundness deduction. With no impact on front-facing appearance and clean margins all around, this stamp earns a final grade of 72 (Fine) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1019)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions