U. S. Scott #489 - Used [LA01-0023-01-04]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

489

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1917

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #489 (Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
3¢ Violet – George Washington, 1917
(U.S. Washington-Franklin Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #489, issued in 1917, is part of the Washington-Franklin rotary press printings. It features a left-facing portrait of George Washington framed within a laurel wreath. The inscription “U.S. POSTAGE” appears at the top, and “3 CENTS” is displayed in tablets at the bottom. This example is used, has no original gum, and has never been hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is centered with clear white space on all four sides. The bottom margin is the narrowest, followed by the top, while the left is the widest and the right is slightly narrower. Perforations remain clear of the design, and the margins fit the PSE criteria for Fine/Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp displays a few small faults. These include two shorter to short perforations, each less than half normal length, classified as very minor faults. Pencil writing is also present on the reverse, which is considered an extremely minor fault. The combination qualifies as a Minor Fault under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault classification)

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11, as expected for this issue. All perforations are genuine, with two shortened. Margins are uneven, with the bottom margin narrowest and the left margin most generous.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a bold black wavy-line machine cancel that spans horizontally across Washington’s portrait. The cancel is heavy and obscures much of the central vignette, classifying it as a Very Heavy cancel under PSE guidelines.

Collector’s Note:
Machine cancels are common on this issue, but very heavy strikes across the portrait lower eye appeal and overall grade. Lighter or better-placed strikes are far more desirable to collectors.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color and impression remain strong, but the very heavy machine cancel dominates the design. An additional deduction of –10 points is applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Very Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 49 (Good/Very Good – G-VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 489
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Faults including short perfs and pencil writing on back
Perforations: Perf 11, intact but with two shortened perfs
Cancellation: Very Heavy machine cancel obscuring portrait
Eye Appeal: –10 deduction for cancel strength
Final Grade: 49 (Good/Very Good – G-VG)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #489 shows Fine/Very Fine centering with intact perforations and strong violet color, but shortened perfs and a very heavy machine cancel reduce its desirability. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it receives a final grade of 49, Good/Very Good. It remains a collectible example of the Washington-Franklin rotary press issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (913)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions