U. S. Scott #409 - Unused - Graded VG/F

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

409

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1912

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #409 (Unused, Hinged, Original Gum)

Design Overview:
Scott #409 is a 2-cent carmine imperforate stamp issued in 1912 as part of the Washington-Franklin series. The design features an engraved left-facing profile of George Washington, framed by a laurel wreath, symbolizing honor and victory. The inscription "U.S. POSTAGE" is at the top, with the denomination "2 CENTS" displayed at the bottom.

This example is unused, has been hinged, and has original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine - F/VF)
✔ The stamp exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering, where all four margins are present, but one or two sides are slightly narrow.
✔ The design remains well-balanced, with no part of the frame cutting into the design.
✔ Meets the 0.4mm minimum margin requirement for imperforate issues.

Soundness Evaluation:
✔ Very Minor Fault: Hinge Mark / Hinge Remnant
✔ Very Minor Fault: Guideline Prominent on One or Two Sides
✔ Since the stamp has two very minor faults, it is classified as a Minor Fault under the PSE grading system, requiring a deduction of -20 points.

Margins & Imperforate Condition:
✔ All four margins are present, though one or two are slightly narrow.
✔ Margins remain well clear of the design, confirming its Fine/Very Fine centering grade.
✔ The prominent guideline is an aesthetic distraction but does not structurally damage the stamp.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
✔ The stamp retains strong color and sharp impression, with no significant toning or fading.
✔ A +5 bonus is applied for excellent color and strong impression.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine/Very Fine Centering) 79
Soundness Deduction (Minor Fault - Two Very Minor Faults) -20
Eye Appeal Bonus (Strong Color & Sharp Impression) +5
Final Numerical Grade 64 (Very Good/Fine - VG/F)

Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 409
Condition Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering 79 (Fine/Very Fine - F/VF)
Soundness Minor Fault (Hinge Mark, Prominent Guideline -20 points)
Margins Imperforate issue, all four margins present
Eye Appeal Strong color, sharp impression (+5 bonus applied)
Final Grade 64 (Very Good/Fine - VG/F)

? Final Verdict:
This unused Scott #409 has Fine/Very Fine (79) centering, but the hinge remnant and prominent guideline (-20 points) bring the final grade down to 59 (Very Good - VG). However, due to the stamp's strong color and sharp impression, a +5 bonus is applied, raising the final grade to 64 (Very Good/Fine - VG/F).

While the stamp remains structurally intact, the minor faults slightly affect its overall presentation and value. However, its vibrant color and sharp detail enhance its desirability within this grade range.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (630)

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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