U. S. Scott #409 - Used - Graded Fine (LA01-0019-01-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

409

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1912

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #409 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – George Washington, 1912
(Washington-Franklin Series – Flat Plate Printing, Imperforate, Single-Line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #409 is a 2¢ carmine imperforate stamp issued in 1912 as part of the Washington-Franklin series. It features a detailed engraved portrait of George Washington in profile facing left, framed by a laurel wreath. The inscriptions “U.S. POSTAGE” appear above, and “2 CENTS” below in bold serifed font, flanked by large denomination boxes. Printed using flat plate methods on soft porous paper, this stamp carries a single-line watermark and was issued without perforations for use in imperforate sheets and privately perforated coils.

This example is unused, has original gum, and has been hinged. It presents a crisp, fresh impression with one minor production-related feature and solid centering.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp has very balanced margins overall, with the bottom margin being the fullest. The top, left, and right margins are nearly identical in width, and all four sides are well clear of the design, easily meeting the minimum visual standard for Fine/Very Fine centering under the PSE grading scale.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits the following condition issue:
Extremely Minor Fault: Guideline visible along one edge (bottom)
Per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the presence of a single guideline visible on one side qualifies as an Extremely Minor Fault, which slightly reduces the grade, but the fault is not noted in certification.
Soundness Deduction: –4 points

Perforations and Margins:
As an imperforate issue, this stamp is evaluated based on cut quality and margin balance. All four edges are cleanly cut, with no signs of trimming or uneven separation. The generous bottom margin enhances visual balance, while the guideline at the bottom is clearly a product of the original sheet printing.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp is unused, and thus no cancellation applies. No deduction or bonus.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0 points
The Stamp Exhibits:
Rich carmine color
Sharp engraving
Balanced margins
Although the guideline is visible, it does not detract meaningfully from the appearance. The stamp’s visual impact is solid but not unusually exceptional.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –4 (Extremely Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 73
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0
Final Grade: 73 (Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 409
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Extremely Minor Fault (guideline on bottom edge)
Perforations: Imperforate – all sides cleanly cut
Cancellation: N/A (unused)
Eye Appeal: Balanced, fresh, and attractive — no adjustment
Final Grade: 73 (Fine)

Final Verdict:
This unused imperforate example of Scott #409 features strong Fine/Very Fine centering, vivid color, and a clean, well-printed design. A single guideline at the bottom constitutes an Extremely Minor Fault but does not materially affect appearance. Final PSE numerical grade: 73 (Fine).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (721)

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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