U. S. Scott #493 - MH - Graded Fine (LA01-0023-02-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

493

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1917

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #493 (Unused, Hinged, Original Gum – Single Stamp)
3¢ Violet – George Washington, 1917–1921
(Washington-Franklin Series – Imperforate Coil, Schermack Type I Perforations)

Design Overview:
Scott #493 is a 3¢ violet Washington-Franklin issue, produced between 1917 and 1921. This variety comes from imperforate coils that were privately perforated with Schermack Type I perforations for use in vending and affixing machines. The design features an engraved left-facing portrait of George Washington framed within a laurel wreath. “U.S. POSTAGE” appears at the top, with the denomination “3 CENTS” displayed at the bottom in a curved panel.

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

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The stamp shows slightly uneven margins, with the left and bottom narrower than the right and top. All margins remain comfortably clear of the design, consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits a very minor fault in the form of a hinge remnant on the back. This places it in the Very Minor Fault category and requires a small deduction of 5 points. The perforations are consistent with Schermack production, slightly irregular but intact.
Soundness Deduction: –5 points

Perforations and Margins:
This is an imperforate coil with Schermack Type I perforations. The perforations are clean and well cut, though slightly irregular, which is typical for this issue. Margins reflect the centering grade, with the left and bottom sides tighter than the top and right.

Cancellation Evaluation:
This example is unused and bears no cancellation.

Collector’s Note:
Unused Schermack-perforated coils with full gum are far less common than their used counterparts. A hinged example is still collectible, but never hinged copies carry a significant premium in the marketplace.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The violet color remains stable, with no fading or discoloration. The impression is clear and sharp, and the paper is clean and fresh. These characteristics are typical for the issue, so no adjustment is applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 493
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (hinge remnant, –5)
Perforations: Imperforate coil with Schermack Type I perforations, intact
Cancellation: None (unused example)
Eye Appeal: Typical for the issue, no bonus
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged example of Scott #493 shows Fine/Very Fine centering with intact Schermack perforations. A hinge remnant accounts for a very minor fault, reducing the grade slightly to 72 (Fine). The color and impression are typical for the issue, with no additional eye appeal adjustment applied. It remains a collectible example of the issue under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (833)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions