U. S. Scott #492 - Used - Graded Good (LA01-0023-02-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

492

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1916

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #492 (Used, Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – George Washington, 1917
(U.S. Washington-Franklin Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #492, issued in 1917, is part of the Washington-Franklin series produced by rotary press printing. The design features a left-facing portrait of George Washington framed by a laurel wreath. The inscription “U.S. POSTAGE” appears at the top, and the denomination “2 CENTS” is shown at the bottom in rectangular tablets. This example is used, hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The stamp shows white space on all four sides, with the perforations coming close to the design. The left margin is the narrowest, followed by the top, while the right is moderate, and the bottom is the widest. This meets the PSE definition of Fine centering, in which perforations are close but still leave visible white space to the unaided eye.

Soundness Evaluation:
This example has several ragged, fuzzy, or shorter perforations, approximately half normal length. This constitutes a Minor Fault under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Minor Fault classification)

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11, consistent with the issue. While genuine, the perforations are noticeably irregular, with multiple fuzzy or shortened teeth present. Margins are uneven, with the left side tightest and the bottom most generous.

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

Collector’s Note:
Washington-Franklins are often found with irregular perforations due to production and handling. Strong machine cancels are also typical, but they diminish the visual appeal compared to lighter, face-free cancels.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The carmine color is vibrant and the impression is clear, but the heavy cancel obscures the portrait and laurel frame. A further deduction of –10 points is applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 40
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Very Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 30 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 492
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 70 (Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (ragged, fuzzy, and shortened perforations)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact but irregular with fuzzy and short perfs
Cancellation: Very Heavy machine cancel obscuring vignette
Eye Appeal: –10 deduction for cancel placement and strength
Final Grade: 30 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #492 displays Fine centering and strong carmine color but suffers from multiple irregular perforations and a very heavy machine cancel. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it receives a final grade of 30, Good. It remains collectible as a representative Washington-Franklin issue but is significantly reduced in desirability by its faults.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (837)

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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