U. S. Scott #425 - MH - Graded FR/G (LA01-0020-01-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

425

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1914

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #425 (Unused, Hinged, Partial Original Gum – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – George Washington, 1914
(Washington-Franklin Series – Offset Printing, Perf 10, Single-Line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #425 was issued in 1914 as part of the Washington-Franklin series. The design features a left-facing portrait of George Washington framed within a laurel wreath, symbolizing honor and national leadership. The denomination “2 CENTS” is inscribed at the bottom within ornamental scrolls, and “U.S. POSTAGE” appears at the top. This issue was printed by offset lithography at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, perforated 10, and bears a single-line watermark. The example submitted is unused, previously hinged, and retains only partial original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 56 (Very Good – VG)
The margins are unbalanced. The right margin is the narrowest, with perforations touching the design. The top margin is also narrow, though not as severe, while the left margin is the broadest and the bottom margin slightly wider than the top. These characteristics meet the PSE definition of Very Good centering, where perforations actually touch or appear to touch the frameline of the design with margins around 0.1 mm to –0.1 mm.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp shows multiple issues:
Partial gum, classified as a Minor Fault.
A hinge remnant, classified as a Very Minor Fault.
Pencil writing on the reverse, classified as an Extremely Minor Fault.
One shorter perf (about half length), also an Extremely Minor Fault.
Under the 2009 PSE system, the combination of two or more minor faults or mixed minor and lesser faults constitutes a Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –35 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 10 on all four sides, consistent with the issue. The perforations are generally intact but include one shorter perf at the top. Margins are uneven, with the right and top sides impinging on the design, the left margin the widest, and the bottom moderately open.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. This is an unused example.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp retains strong carmine color and clear impression. Paper quality remains sound despite gum disturbance. Off-center balance is accounted for in the centering grade. No further adjustments are necessary.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 56 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –35 (Fault classification)
Adjusted Base Grade: 21
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 21 (Fair–Good – FR-G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 425
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Partial Original Gum
Centering: 56 (Very Good)
Soundness: Fault (partial gum, hinge remnant, pencil notation, shorter perf)
Perforations: Perf 10, intact with one shorter perf, margins narrow at right and top
Cancellation: None (unused example)
Eye Appeal: Strong carmine impression, balance detracted by centering only
Final Grade: 21 (Fair–Good – FR-G)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #425 displays Very Good centering but is significantly impacted by multiple condition issues, including gum disturbance, hinge remnant, back markings, and a short perf. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it earns a final grade of Fair–Good (21 FR-G). It remains a collectible, though low-grade, representative of the Washington-Franklin offset issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (825)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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