U. S. Scott #504 - Used - Graded FR/G

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

504

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1917

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #504 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – George Washington, 1917
(Washington-Franklin Series – Offset Printing, Perf 11, Single-Line Watermark)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #504, part of the offset-printed Washington-Franklin issues, was released in 1917 and features George Washington facing left within a laurel oval. Offset printing gives the stamp a flatter appearance compared to the earlier engraved types but maintains strong clarity. This issue was used frequently in the World War I era, often for foreign mail or multiple-ounce domestic letters.

This example is used, with no original gum and a visible hinge remnant, which will not affect grading but may reduce catalog value separately.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Full margins on all four sides.
Slightly narrower margin on the left and bottom but comfortably clear of the design.
Falls squarely within the PSE definition of Fine/Very Fine centering.

? Soundness Evaluation:
Identified Faults:
Fault Type Description Category
Fault Several ragged, fuzzy, or shorter perforations (about half normal length) Minor Fault
Minor Fault Discoloration across the back Minor Fault
Very Minor Fault Light cancellation bleed-through (back) V.M.F.
Very Minor Fault Hinge remnant V.M.F.
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, a combination of two or more minor faults and/or three total faults results in a Major Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –45 points (Major Fault)

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Gauge: Perf 11 (standard for this issue)
Condition:
Several short or ragged perfs are clearly visible at the top and right.
No sign of reperforation, trimming, or missing corners.
Margins: All four margins show white space between the perforations and the design.

? Cancellation Classification:
Cancel Type: Black circular date stamp (CDS), moderately heavy.
Effect on Design: Strong strike covers large portion of Washington’s head and facial features.
Classification: Heavy Cancel

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Observation Impact
Cancellation Heavy cancel obscures portrait and frame elements –10 pts
Color & Impression Rich blue, sharp offset clarity 0
Discoloration Noticeable but not severe; on reverse only 0
? Final Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Centering Grade 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction –45 (Major Faults)
Adjusted Base Grade 34 (Good – G)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –10 (Heavy cancel)
Final Numerical Grade 24 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 504
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 79 – Fine/Very Fine
Soundness Major Fault (ragged perfs, discoloration, hinge remnant, cancel bleed-through)
Perforations Perf 11; several short or fuzzy
Cancellation Heavy cancel over portrait
Eye Appeal –10 points (cancel obscures face)
Final Grade 24 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #504 stamp features Fine/Very Fine centering, but the cumulative effects of multiple faults—ragged perforations, back discoloration, a hinge remnant, and light cancel bleed-through—lower its soundness classification to Major Fault. The heavy cancel also affects the stamp’s aesthetic quality. These deductions yield a final grade of 24 (Fair/Good – FR/G).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (644)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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