U. S. Scott #502 - Used - Graded VG/F

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

502

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1917

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #502 (Used, Hinged, No Gum - Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #502 is a 3-cent deep violet Washington-Franklin issue from 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 "3 CENTS" is displayed at the bottom.

This example is used, hinged, and has no gum.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine (71)
✔ The stamp exhibits Fine (71) centering, meaning that the perforation holes on one or two sides come very close to the design, but some white space remains visible to the unaided eye.
✔ The left margin is slightly narrower, though it still provides a minimum of 0.2mm of white space.
✔ The top margin is slightly wider than the others, but the overall alignment fits within the Fine centering category.

Soundness Evaluation
✔ This stamp exhibits a Very Minor Fault:
✔ Hinge remnant on the back, which does not affect the structural integrity of the stamp but warrants a very minor soundness deduction.
✔ No thins, major creases, or significant damage is present.
✔ The perforations remain intact, though slightly irregular in some spots.

Adjusted Soundness Grade: Very Minor Fault (-10 points).
✔ Final Grade Before Eye Appeal Adjustment: 61 (Very Good/Fine - VG/F).

Perforations & Margins
✔ This is a fully perforated stamp with standard 11-gauge perforations.
✔ The perforations are slightly irregular, particularly near the bottom-left side.
✔ The margins are somewhat uneven, but they still provide adequate separation from the design.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
✔ Color & Impression: The deep violet color is moderately strong, though slightly faded due to use.
✔ Cancellation: The stamp features a wavy-line machine cancel, which is moderate but does obscure part of Washington’s portrait.
✔ Overall Presentation: The stamp retains decent clarity, though fading and the cancellation slightly reduce its visual appeal.

Since the cancellation is moderate, no additional eye appeal deductions or bonuses are applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine Centering) 71
Soundness Deduction (Very Minor Fault: Hinge Remnant) -10
Eye Appeal Adjustment 0
Final Numerical Grade 61 (Very Good/Fine - VG/F)

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 502
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 71 (Fine - F)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (-10: Hinge Remnant)
Perforations Perf 11, Slightly Irregular
Eye Appeal No Adjustment (Typical for Issue)
Final Grade 61 (Very Good/Fine - VG/F)

? Final Verdict:
This used, hinged Scott #502 stamp with no gum receives a Very Good/Fine (61) final grade, reflecting Fine centering and a very minor soundness issue (hinge remnant). The color and impression remain decent, though fading and a moderate cancellation slightly affect its presentation. Despite minor imperfections, it remains a collectible example of Scott #502 in used condition.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (668)

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

Public Questions