U. S. Scott #424 - MNH - Graded FR

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

424

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1914

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #424 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Green – George Washington, 1914
(U.S. Regular Issue – Washington-Franklin Series, Perf 10)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #424 is part of the long-running Washington-Franklin series, issued in 1914. It features an engraved profile of George Washington in an ornate oval frame of laurel leaves. These stamps were produced by flat plate printing and issued with 10-gauge perforations. This issue is especially sensitive to faults and centering due to narrow frame lines and the era's printing limitations.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 55 (Very Good – VG)
Perforations touch or nearly cut into the design on the bottom and left, consistent with VG centering standards.
All margins are narrow, with minimal white space, especially at the bottom.
Aligns with PSE’s definition for Very Good (55): “The perforations actually touch, appear to touch, or very slightly cut into the frameline of the design.”

Soundness: Major Fault
This Stamp Exhibits:
? Pulled perf (bottom edge) — clear tearing below perforation hole line.
? Partial original gum — reduction in gum coverage qualifies as a Minor Fault.
? Corner perf crease (top left) — classified as a Very Minor Fault.
? Perf tip crease (bottom right) — additional Very Minor Fault.
Together, this combination constitutes Major Fault soundness under PSE guidelines:
"Two or three faults, or combination of minor faults" = Major Fault2009_GradingGuide_092009
➡️ Combined Base Grade (Centering VG + Soundness Major Fault):
Fair (16–18)

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Perforation Gauge: 10 on all four sides (standard for this issue).
Bottom Perforations: one is pulled, creating an uneven and torn visual break.
Side and Top Perforations: fully intact but narrow spacing from the design edges.
Margin Analysis: left and bottom margins are the tightest; top is narrow but intact.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Element Notes Points
Color & Impression Bold green ink, clear and strong lines +2
Visible Faults Pulled perf is noticeable to the eye -5
Overall Impression Unaffected by fading or toning 0
? Final Eye Appeal Adjustment: –3 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Value
Base Grade (VG Centering + Major Fault) 18
Eye Appeal Adjustment (color +2, fault -5) –3
Final Numerical Grade 15 (Fair – FR)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 424
Condition Unused, Never Hinged, Partial Original Gum
Centering 55 (Very Good – VG)
Soundness Major Fault (Pulled perf, partial gum, 2 minor creases)
Perforations Perf 10; pulled perforation on bottom
Eye Appeal –3 (Color excellent, but visual fault from tear)
Final Grade 15 (Fair – FR)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #424 stamp shows a desirable color and original sharp impression, but is significantly reduced in grade due to the pulled perforation, partial gum, and two additional crease faults. These defects collectively meet the Major Fault classification. Combined with Very Good centering, the base grade is reduced to the Fair (15) range, with a final numerical grade of 15 (Fair – FR) after accounting for visual impact. It may be useful as a space-filler or study piece but falls well below collectible investment grade.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (695)

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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