U. S. Scott #503 - Unused - Graded VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

503

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1917

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #503 (Unused, Hinged, Original Gum - Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #503 is a 4-cent brown 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 "4 CENTS" is displayed at the bottom.

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

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (77)
✔ The stamp exhibits Fine/Very Fine (77) centering, meaning that the perforation holes are clearly seen to be clear of the design, but one or two margins are slightly narrow.
✔ The right margin is slightly narrower than the left, but all four sides maintain at least 0.4mm of clearance, meeting the Fine/Very Fine criteria.
✔ The top margin appears slightly larger than the bottom, though within expected tolerances for the grade.

Soundness Evaluation
✔ This stamp exhibits two very minor faults, constituting a Minor Fault:
✔ Corner perf crease – A small crease at the perforation tip, not structurally significant but noted as a minor flaw.
✔ Hinge remnant on the back – A visible hinge mark affecting the gum, expected for a hinged stamp.
✔ The perforations remain intact, though slightly uneven in some areas.

Adjusted Soundness Grade: Minor Fault (-20 points).
✔ Final Grade Before Eye Appeal Adjustment: 57 (Very Good - VG).

Perforations & Margins
✔ This is a fully perforated stamp with standard 11-gauge perforations.
✔ The perforations are slightly irregular, particularly along the right edge.
✔ The margins are mostly balanced, with a slightly tighter right side.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
✔ Color & Impression: The brown color remains strong and consistent, with no noticeable fading.
✔ Paper Freshness: The paper retains its original tone, with no major discoloration.
✔ Overall Presentation: The stamp maintains acceptable visual appeal, though the hinge remnant and slightly uneven perfs slightly detract.

Since the color and impression are standard for this issue, no additional eye appeal deductions or bonuses are applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine/Very Fine Centering) 77
Soundness Deduction (Minor Fault: Corner Perf Crease, Hinge Mark) -20
Eye Appeal Adjustment 0
Final Numerical Grade 57 (Very Good - VG)

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 503
Condition Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering 77 (Fine/Very Fine - F/VF)
Soundness Minor Fault (-20: Corner Perf Crease, Hinge Mark)
Perforations Perf 11, Slightly Irregular
Eye Appeal No Adjustment (Typical for Issue)
Final Grade 57 (Very Good - VG)

? Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged Scott #503 stamp with original gum receives a Very Good (57) final grade, reflecting Fine/Very Fine centering but minor structural issues (corner perf crease, hinge remnant). The color and impression remain acceptable, and while the perforations are slightly uneven, it remains a collectible example of Scott #503 in unused condition.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (569)

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