U. S. Scott #499 - Unused - Graded G/VG (LA01-0024-01-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

499

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1917

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #499 (Unused, Hinged, OG - Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #499 is a 2-cent carmine 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 "2 CENTS" is displayed at the bottom.

This example is unused, hinged, and has original gum.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: 57 (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 left and bottom margins appear significantly narrower, leading to the perforations being very close to or slightly 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 a Very Minor Fault due to a hinge remnant on the back.
✔ The perforations are intact but slightly irregular, which is common for this issue.
✔ The stamp retains original gum, which enhances its value compared to a no-gum example.

✔ Adjusted Soundness Grade: Very Minor Fault (-15 points)

✔ Final Grade Before Eye Appeal Adjustment: 42 (Good/Very Good - G/VG)

Perforations & Margins
✔ This is a fully perforated stamp with standard 11-gauge perforations.
✔ The perforations are intact but slightly irregular, which is typical for this issue.
✔ The margins are tight, especially on the left and bottom, contributing to the Very Good centering classification.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
✔ Color: The carmine hue is rich and well-preserved, with no noticeable fading.
✔ Impression: The engraving details remain clear and sharp, particularly in Washington’s portrait and the laurel wreath.
✔ Paper Freshness: The paper appears clean and bright, with no signs of toning or oxidation.

✔ Given the above-average color and sharp impression, an eye appeal bonus of +3 points is warranted.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Very Good Centering) 57
Soundness Deduction (Very Minor Fault: Hinge Remnant) -15
Eye Appeal Bonus (Above-Average Color & Impression) +3
Final Numerical Grade 45 (Good/Very Good - G/VG)

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 499
Condition Unused, Hinged, OG
Centering 57 (Very Good - VG)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (-15: Hinge Remnant)
Perforations Perf 11, Slightly Irregular
Eye Appeal +3 Bonus (Above-Average Color & Impression)
Final Grade 45 (Good/Very Good - G/VG)

? Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged Scott #499 stamp with original gum receives a Good/Very Good (45) final grade after applying a +3 eye appeal bonus due to its above-average color and sharp impression. The hinge remnant results in a -15 deduction, and the tight margins contribute to the lower centering grade. While not a premium example, it remains a decent collectible for the issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (844)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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