U. S. Scott #434 - Used - Graded VG (LA01-0020-04-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

434

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1915

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #434 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
11¢ Dark Green – Benjamin Franklin, 1916
(U.S. Regular Issue – Washington-Franklin Series, Perf 10)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #434 is an 11¢ definitive stamp issued in 1916 as part of the Washington-Franklin series. Printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing using flat plate methods on unwatermarked paper, the design features a dark green portrait of Benjamin Franklin framed in an oval with laurel branches and scrollwork. It is perforated 10 on all four sides.

The submitted example is used, hinged, and has no original gum. It exhibits a combination of very minor faults, including slight discoloration, light cancellation bleed-through, ink transfer on back, and pencil writing, resulting in a Minor Fault soundness classification.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The stamp is slightly off-center toward the left and top.
All four margins are full and clear of the design.
Framelines are not close to any perforation edges.
This meets the PSE definition of Fine/Very Fine centering: clearly off-center on one or two sides but with full white space.

Soundness: Minor Fault (-20 deduction)
? Very Minor Fault: Slight discoloration on front (especially over Franklin's cheek and shoulder).
? Very Minor Fault: Light cancellation bleed-through on back.
? Very Minor Fault: Light green ink transfer visible on reverse.
⚪ Extremely Minor Fault: Pencil notations (“434”, and a symbol at bottom right).
The combination of three very minor faults and one extremely minor fault qualifies this stamp for Minor Fault soundness under the 2009 PSE grading guide.
➡️ Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Minor Fault Soundness):
58 (Very Good – VG)2009_GradingGuide_092009

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Gauge: Perf 10.
All perforations are intact and well-formed.
Margins are slightly narrow at top and left but still provide full separation from the design.

✉️ Cancellation Classification:
The black circular cancellation is applied in the lower-right quadrant.
While the cancel is clearly visible and crosses Franklin’s face, it is not heavy or overly dark.
Classified as a Moderate cancel (neither Light nor Heavy), which receives no deduction or bonus to Eye Appeal.

?️ Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Factor Description Adjustment
Color & Impression Strong dark green color, excellent contrast +1
Visible Faults Discoloration and back transfer slightly detract –4
Cancellation Moderate – visible but not heavy (no deduction) 0
? Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: –3 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Minor Fault) 58
Eye Appeal Adjustment –3
Final Numerical Grade 55 (Very Good – VG)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 434
Condition Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering 78 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Minor Fault (discoloration, bleed-through, ink transfer, pencil)
Perforations Perf 10 – intact and well-formed
Cancellation Moderate cancel (no effect on eye appeal)
Eye Appeal –3 (strong color, mild fault visibility)
Final Grade 55 (Very Good – VG)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #434 stamp features Fine/Very Fine centering and retains excellent color and intact perforations. While it suffers from several very minor faults, they do not overpower its appearance. The cancel is moderate and causes no additional grade deduction. After all adjustments, this stamp earns a final grade of 55 (Very Good – VG) — a sound and collectible example within the Washington-Franklin series.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (737)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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