U. S. Scott #504 - Used - Graded FR/G (NA01-0081-02-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

504

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1917

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #504 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – George Washington, 1917
(Washington-Franklin Issue – Offset Printing, Perf 11, Single-Line Watermark)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #504, issued in 1917, is part of the offset-printed subset of the Washington-Franklin series. This 5¢ blue stamp features the profile of George Washington within a laurel oval frame, with the denomination “5 CENTS 5” prominently placed below. It was printed via offset press—a method that lacks the engraved ridges found on earlier issues—making the image appear flatter but cleanly rendered.

This example is postally used, has no visible hinging remnants, and retains no original gum. A natural straight edge on the left is clearly visible, and the cancel is dark but not obliterating.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine – F)
The perforations come close to the design on the left and bottom, but white space remains visible.
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this meets the standard for Fine centering, though just above the lower boundary.

? Soundness Evaluation:
Identified Faults:
Fault Type Description Category
Fault Natural straight edge (left side) Fault
Very Minor Fault Perf tip crease (bottom left) V.M.F.
Very Minor Fault Light ink transfer on back of stamp (seen in image) V.M.F.
Per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, a natural straight edge qualifies as a Fault, and multiple very minor faults do not elevate the fault category but are noted for reference.
Soundness Deduction: –40 points (from centering baseline)

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Gauge: Perf 11 (correct for this issue)
Condition:
Straight edge on the left is clean and not reperforated.
Other edges show full perforation teeth, but there is a perf tip crease visible.
Margins: Narrow left margin due to straight edge; remaining margins show clear spacing from the design.

? Cancellation Classification:
Cancellation: Circular, black cancel touching Washington’s face and the top left of the frame.
Effect on Design: Moderate facial overlap, but central features remain distinguishable.
Classification: Moderate to Heavy Cancel

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Observation Impact
Cancellation Moderate, obscures part of portrait and text –10 pts
Color & Impression Strong color, good print clarity 0
Paper Condition Light ink transfer on reverse 0
? Final Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Centering Grade 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction –40 (Fault + 2 V.M. Faults)
Adjusted Base Grade 30 (Good – G)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –10
Final Numerical Grade 20 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 504
Condition Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering 70 – Fine
Soundness Fault (Straight edge); 2 Very Minor Faults (Perf tip crease, ink transfer)
Perforations Perf 11; natural straight edge at left
Cancellation Moderate cancel obscures part of design
Eye Appeal –10 (moderate cancel impact)
Final Grade 20 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

? Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #504 features Fine centering and retains full margins on three sides, but is significantly impacted by its natural straight edge, very minor perf crease, and ink transfer. The cancellation is moderately heavy and reduces visual appeal by obscuring parts of the design. With these combined deductions, the final grade is 20 (Fair/Good – FR/G).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (778)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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