U. S. Scott #405 - Used - Graded VG/F (LA01-0019-01-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

405

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1912

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #405 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Green – George Washington, 1912
(Washington-Franklin Series – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 12, Single-Line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #405 is a 1¢ green definitive stamp issued in 1912 as part of the Washington-Franklin series. The design features a detailed left-facing profile of George Washington, enclosed in a laurel wreath and oval frame. “U.S. POSTAGE” is inscribed at the top and “1 CENT” is boldly printed at the bottom between numeral boxes. This issue was printed using flat plate methods on soft porous paper, with a single-line watermark and perforated 12 on all four sides.

This example is postally used (though no cancel is visible), lacks original gum, and shows evidence of prior hinging. The front presents strong visual appeal with multiple very minor faults on the reverse.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp exhibits well-balanced centering with strong top and bottom margins. The top margin is the fullest, while the left is the narrowest. All margins are clearly clear of the design, meeting the minimum 0.4mm guideline for stamps with rectangular frame lines. This qualifies for Fine/Very Fine centering per the PSE standard.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp presents the following issues:
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer on back
Very Minor Fault: Corner perf crease (bottom left)
Very Minor Fault: Perf tip crease (mid top)
Extremely Minor Fault: Pencil writing on back of stamp
The combination of three very minor faults and one extremely minor fault results in a Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 as expected, with all perforations appearing intact. No evidence of scissor trimming or reperforation is visible. The creases affecting the bottom-left corner and top perf tip are subtle and do not significantly detract from the physical integrity.

Cancellation Classification: Light/Face-Free Cancel
Although this is a used stamp, no visible cancel is present. Per the PSE Grading Guide, a face-free cancel qualifies for an eye appeal bonus of up to +10 depending on overall impact. In this case, the absence of cancel enhances the stamp’s appearance modestly, though not dramatically.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 (Light/Face-Free Cancel)
Final Grade: 62 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 405
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (ink transfer, corner and tip creases, pencil writing)
Perforations: Perf 12, full and genuine
Cancellation: Not visible (Face-Free Cancel)
Eye Appeal: Clean appearance earns +5
Final Grade: 62 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #405 displays solid Fine/Very Fine centering with attractive margins and strong color. Multiple minor faults on the reverse and a pencil notation slightly reduce the grade, but the cancel-free appearance enhances its eye appeal. Final PSE grade: 62 (Very Good/Fine).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (738)

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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