U. S. Scott #414 - Used - Graded FR/G (LA01-0019-03-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

414

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1912

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #414 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
8¢ Olive Green – Benjamin Franklin, 1912
(Washington-Franklin Series – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 12, Single-Line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #414 is an 8¢ olive green definitive stamp issued in 1912 as part of the Washington-Franklin series. It depicts a left-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin framed in an oval laurel wreath. “U.S. POSTAGE” appears across the top and “8 CENTS” is inscribed below within a banner flanked by large numeral boxes. This issue was printed on soft porous paper using flat plate printing, includes a single-line watermark, and is perforated 12 on all sides.

This example is postally used, bears no original gum, and shows evidence of previous hinging. Though visually appealing at a glance, centering and cancellation issues impact its technical grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 56 (Very Good)
The stamp's top and left margins are strongest, while the bottom margin just touches the frame, putting the stamp squarely into the “Very Good” category per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. The design is mostly clear of the perforation teeth but dips too low at the bottom to qualify for Fine.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp displays the following fault:
Minor Fault: Very short or nibbed perforation at the bottom edge
This single condition issue qualifies as a Minor Fault under PSE criteria.
Soundness Deduction: –22 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is correctly perforated 12 on all sides. While most perforation teeth are complete, there is a notably short perf along the bottom, which is classified as a nibbed perf. Other margins are cleanly cut and proportioned, with no evidence of trimming or scissor cutting.

Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
The stamp bears a bold, black, vertical cancel that spans the entire height of the stamp and crosses directly over Franklin’s face and inscription. The cancel, while legible, obscures key features of the design and significantly diminishes the stamp’s visual clarity.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 56 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –22 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 34
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 24 (Fair/Good – F/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 414
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 56 (Very Good)
Soundness: Minor Fault (nibbed perf)
Perforations: Perf 12; one very short tooth on bottom
Cancellation: Heavy cancel crossing design and face
Eye Appeal: –10 deduction
Final Grade: 24 (Fair/Good – F/G)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #414 exhibits strong printing and bold color, but its centering is compromised by a bottom margin that touches the frame. A short perf and a heavy cancel that crosses the portrait result in significant deductions. The stamp earns a final numerical grade of 24 (Fair/Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (721)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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