U. S. Scott #510 - MH - Graded Good (LA01-0024-03-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

510

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 #510 (Unused, Hinged, Original Gum – Single Stamp)
10¢ Yellow – Benjamin Franklin, 1917
(Washington-Franklin Series – Offset Printing, Perf 11, Single-Line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #510 was issued in 1917 as part of the Washington-Franklin series. It features a left-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin within an oval frame, flanked by laurel leaves that symbolize honor and civic contribution. The inscription “U.S. POSTAGE” appears at the top, with the denomination “10 CENTS 10” placed in panels at the bottom corners. This issue was printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing using offset lithography, perforated 11, and produced on paper bearing a single-line watermark. The submitted example is unused, hinged, and retains original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The stamp is well clear of the design on all sides, though with uneven margins. The top margin is the narrowest, followed by the left margin, while the right margin is wider and the bottom the broadest. These characteristics align with Fine/Very Fine centering, where perforations are easily clear of the design but one or two sides are narrower.

Soundness Evaluation:
This example displays two distinct faults: a large thin, which qualifies as a Major Fault, and a hinge remnant, which is classified as a Very Minor Fault. The Major Fault dominates the soundness evaluation, requiring a steep deduction.
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all four sides, consistent with the issue. Perforations are intact and generally even, though slightly irregular in separation at points. Margins are uneven, with crowding at the top and left and more generous spacing at the bottom.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. This is an unused example.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The yellow impression remains bright and strong, with decent overall paper freshness. The large thin on the back does not affect the face presentation directly, though it lowers structural quality. No further adjustment to the numeric grade is made for eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 31
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 31 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 510
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (large thin) and Very Minor Fault (hinge remnant)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact, margins uneven
Cancellation: None (unused example)
Eye Appeal: Strong color and impression; no additional adjustment applied
Final Grade: 31 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #510 achieves Fine/Very Fine centering but is seriously impacted by a large thin, which constitutes a Major Fault under PSE standards. Despite strong color and intact perforations, the soundness deduction lowers the grade to Good (31 G). It remains collectible as a representative of the Washington-Franklin offset issues.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (977)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions