U. S. Scott #463 - MH [LA01-0022-01-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

463

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1916

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #463 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – George Washington, 1916
(Washington-Franklin Series – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #463 is a 2¢ carmine stamp from the Washington-Franklin series, issued in 1916. It features a left-facing portrait of George Washington framed by laurel branches, with the denomination “2 CENTS 2” along the bottom and “U.S. POSTAGE” at the top. This issue was printed using flat plate methods, perforated 11, and is unwatermarked—a key identifier distinguishing it from nearby Washington-Franklin varieties.

This example is unused, hinged, and retains its original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering. The left margin is the widest, providing a solid visual anchor. The top and right margins are narrower but maintain the minimum required white space (~0.4mm for this issue) and do not approach the design. The vertical alignment is slightly shifted upward, but the design is still well-framed within all perforations. This comfortably qualifies for a centering grade of 77 under the 2009 PSE standard.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has no tears, thins, or creases, but exhibits the following faults:
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant still attached
Extremely Minor Fault (x2): Two shorter perforation tips (one at top, one at bottom)
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, two extremely minor faults combined with a very minor fault constitute a Minor Fault level of soundness.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides. The perfs are mostly uniform and genuine. Two perforation tips—one on the top and one on the bottom—are shorter than normal (approximately half length), but not broken or clipped. There are no signs of trimming or reperforation. Margins are full, though asymmetrically distributed.

Cancellation Classification:
Not applicable – this is an unused stamp with no cancellation.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Despite the short perfs and hinge remnant, the stamp maintains good visual presence. The color is strong, impression is crisp, and the faults are not distracting to the naked eye. No additional deductions for eye appeal are warranted.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 463
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (hinge remnant, two short perfs)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact but with two short tips
Cancellation: None
Eye Appeal: No deduction necessary
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged Scott #463 presents solid Fine/Very Fine centering and vibrant color. A hinge remnant and two short perforations combine to lower the soundness to Minor Fault, bringing the final grade to 57 (Very Good) per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. The stamp retains respectable visual appeal despite the minor flaws.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (997)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions