U. S. Scott #498 - Used - Graded Fair

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

498

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1917

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #498 (Used, NH, No Gum - Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #498 is a 1-cent green Washington-Franklin stamp, part of the 1917-1919 perf 11 series printed on unwatermarked paper. The design features an engraved left-facing portrait of George Washington, enclosed within a laurel wreath. The inscription "U.S. POSTAGE" appears at the top, and the denomination "1 CENT" is displayed at the bottom.

This example is used, never hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: 50 (Very Good - VG)
✔ The stamp exhibits Very Good centering, meaning the perforations actually touch, appear to touch, or slightly cut into the frameline of the design.
✔ The top and right margins appear significantly narrower, leading to the perforations being very close to or cutting into the design.
✔ The minimum margin requirement ranges from 0.1mm to -0.1mm, placing it in the Very Good range.

Soundness Evaluation
✔ The stamp exhibits Severe Faults due to multiple creases, which significantly impact its condition.
✔ The perforations are irregular and show some roughness, likely due to poor handling or environmental wear.
✔ The stamp has a heavy wavy-line cancel, which is common for this issue but further affects its presentation.

✔ Adjusted Soundness Grade: Severe Fault (-37 points)

✔ Final Grade Before Eye Appeal Adjustment: 13 (Fair - FR)

Perforations & Margins
✔ This is a fully perforated stamp with standard 11-gauge perforations.
✔ The perforations are irregular and slightly rough, with some visible wear.
✔ The margins are very tight, with the design being nearly touched or slightly cut into by the perforations.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
✔ Color: The green hue is consistent and typical for the issue, with no significant fading.
✔ Impression: The engraving details remain clear, though the stamp has a noticeable cancel and creases.
✔ Cancellation: The stamp has a heavy wavy-line cancel, which partially obscures the design.
❌ The multiple creases and cancel significantly impact the visual appeal and further lower the grade.

✔ A -5 eye appeal deduction is warranted due to the severe creases and rough perforations.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Very Good Centering) 50
Soundness Deduction (Severe Fault: Multiple Creases) -37
Eye Appeal Deduction (Severe Creases & Rough Perforations) -5
Final Numerical Grade 8 (Poor - PR)

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 498
Condition Used, NH, No Gum
Centering 50 (Very Good - VG)
Soundness Severe Fault (-37: Multiple Creases)
Perforations Perf 11, Irregular & Rough
Eye Appeal -5 Deduction (Creases & Heavy Cancel Impact Visual Appeal)
Final Grade 8 (Poor - PR)

? Final Verdict:
This used, never hinged Scott #498 stamp without gum receives a Poor (8) final grade due to multiple severe creases, tight margins, rough perforations, and a heavy wavy-line cancel. The heavy creases and overall wear significantly reduce collector value, making this a very low-grade example of Scott #498.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (902)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions