U. S. Scott #486 - MH - Graded VG (LA01-0023-01-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

486

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1918

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #486 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Green – George Washington, 1917
(Washington-Franklin Series – Offset Printing, Perf 11, Double-Line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #486 is a 1¢ green stamp issued in 1917 as part of the Washington-Franklin series. Printed using the offset method, this design features a left-facing portrait of George Washington encircled by laurel leaves, flanked by “U.S. POSTAGE” across the top and the denomination “1 CENT 1” at the bottom. The offset process was a wartime adaptation to conserve engraving equipment and materials. Scott #486 is perforated 11 and printed on paper bearing a double-line watermark.

This example is unused, has original gum, and shows clear evidence of previous hinging. There is no cancel present, and the stamp retains much of its original color and paper freshness.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is well clear of the perforations on all sides, and the margins meet the threshold for Fine/Very Fine centering. The left and bottom margins are noticeably wider than the top and right margins, creating a modest imbalance. However, no perforation holes impinge on the design, and the stamp retains visible margins on all sides as required for the 77 grade under the PSE scale.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp has a single minor toning spot visible on the back. There are no creases, thins, tears, pinholes, or other structural problems. The paper is otherwise clean and intact.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. All perforations are intact and cleanly punched with no sign of trimming or reperforation. Margin sizes vary slightly, with the widest margin on the left and narrowest on the top, in line with the centering evaluation.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Despite the presence of the toning spot on the reverse, the stamp presents well from the front. The color is vibrant, the impression strong for offset printing, and the surface fresh. Because the visible portion of the stamp is unaffected, no eye appeal penalty is 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: 486
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (toning spot on reverse)
Perforations: Perf 11, full and intact
Eye Appeal: No adjustment
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged single of Scott #486 demonstrates Fine/Very Fine centering and intact perforations. While visually appealing from the front, the minor toning spot on the reverse results in a deduction for soundness, yielding a final grade of 57 (Very Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (833)

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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