U. S. Scott #481 - Unused - Graded VF (LA01-0022-05-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

481

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

VF/XF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

80 (VF)

Year of Issue

1916

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #481 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Green – George Washington, 1916
(Washington-Franklin Series – Flat Plate Printing, Imperforate, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #481 is a 1¢ green imperforate stamp issued in 1916 as part of the Washington-Franklin series. It features a left-facing portrait of George Washington framed by laurel branches, with “U.S. POSTAGE” above and “1 CENT 1” below. As an imperforate flat-plate printed issue on unwatermarked paper, this stamp was intended to be separated by scissors or manual cutting.

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

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 85 (Very Fine to Extremely Fine)
While the stamp shows generously wide margins on all sides and a well-balanced image, the vertical edges are clearly not cut straight. The left and right sides exhibit visible slanting, which detracts from the symmetry of the design. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, imperforate stamps with skewed or uneven margins are evaluated as if “blocked off” to their optimal shape. In this case, the skew brings the centering into the Very Fine to Extremely Fine range, rather than Extremely Fine or Gem.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp is structurally intact, but has a hinge remnant on the reverse, which constitutes a very minor fault. According to the PSE guide, this level of imperfection results in a modest deduction from the grade.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –5 points

Perforations and Margins:
Being an imperforate issue, this stamp lacks perforations. The margins are large and clear on all four sides, but they are unevenly cut. The left and right edges slant slightly and are not parallel. The bottom and top edges are straighter, with ample space beyond the frame. Although this affects aesthetic balance, the design remains fully intact and uncropped.

Cancellation Classification:
Not applicable – this stamp is unused.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp exhibits strong color, excellent impression, and intact gum. The hinge remnant is only visible from the back and does not affect the visual integrity of the face. No deduction is warranted.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 85
Soundness Deduction: –5
Adjusted Base Grade: 80
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 80 (Very Fine – VF)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 481
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 85 (Very Fine to Extremely Fine), adjusted due to uneven cut margins
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (hinge remnant)
Perforations: Imperforate; margins full but unevenly cut on the vertical sides
Cancellation: None
Eye Appeal: Strong visual presentation despite cut irregularity
Final Grade: 80 (Very Fine – VF)

Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged example of Scott #481 is well-centered and displays vibrant color with full margins. However, the noticeably slanted vertical edges and hinge remnant reduce its grade under the PSE system. The final grade of 80 (Very Fine) reflects a strong example with minor imperfections typical of hand-cut imperforate issues.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (846)

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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