U. S. Scott #504 - Used - Graded VG/F (SL01-0001-02-01)

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

Design Overview:
Scott #504 was issued in 1917 as part of the offset-printed subset of the Washington-Franklin series. The stamp features George Washington in profile, encircled by laurel branches, with bold denomination indicators flanking “5 CENTS” at the bottom. Offset printing gave this issue a smoother appearance than its engraved predecessors, and this particular stamp was used during a time of rapid expansion of U.S. postal services during World War I.

The presented example is postally used, shows no gum, and has been previously hinged. Hinging is noted but excluded from grading impact under current guidelines for used stamps.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The margins are slightly narrow at the right side but remain clearly free of the design on all four sides. There is more generous spacing at the left and bottom, creating a slightly uneven but balanced frame. This centering falls under Fine/Very Fine, meeting the criteria for grade 77.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has no creases, tears, thins, or missing perforations. However, it exhibits the following two faults:
One shorter to short perforation, approximately half normal length (right side)
Light ink transfer on the reverse (likely from storage or contact with another stamp)
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this combination—two very minor faults—places the stamp in the Minor Fault category.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11, which is correct for Scott #504. Perforations are otherwise full and clean except for one noticeably shorter perf on the right. Margins are slightly imbalanced but do not impinge on the design.

Cancellation Classification:
This stamp has no distinct cancel visible on the front. There is a light gray mark near the right edge, but it does not obscure any portion of the portrait or text. If it is a cancel, it is extremely light and unobtrusive. No bleed-through is visible from the back.
Cancellation Classification: Light or Nearly Absent Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 (light or unobtrusive cancel)
Final Grade: 62 (Very Good–Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 504
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (short perf, light ink transfer on back)
Perforations: Perf 11; full set with one short perf
Cancellation: Light, no facial obstruction
Eye Appeal: +5 (due to unobtrusive cancel and fresh appearance)
Final Grade: 62 (Very Good–Fine)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged Scott #504 exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering and has two very minor faults: one short perforation and a light ink transfer on the reverse. Its unobtrusive cancel contributes positively to its appearance. Based on the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final grade is 62 (Very Good–Fine).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (705)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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