U. S. Scott #517 - Used - Graded G/VG (NA01-0081-05-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

517

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 #517 (Used, Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
50¢ Violet – Benjamin Franklin, 1917
(Washington-Franklin Series – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Single-Line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #517 is a 50¢ violet issue from the Washington-Franklin series, released in 1917. The design features a finely engraved left-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin within an oval laurel frame, symbolizing wisdom and civic service. “U.S. POSTAGE” appears prominently at the top, with the denomination “50 CENTS” centered at the bottom flanked by numeral tablets. This example is postally used, has been hinged, and no longer retains its original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The design is generally well balanced, though the bottom margin is the narrowest, the right margin is narrower than the left, and the top margin is the most generous. All four margins are clear of the design, meeting the PSE criteria for Fine/Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
This example exhibits the following faults:
Minor Fault: Several perf creases
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer on back of stamp
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, two to three faults in the minor to very minor categories constitute a “Fault” classification.
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated gauge 11, consistent with the issue. While full and intact, the perforations show signs of stress from several perf creases. Margins are slightly imbalanced, with the bottom and right sides being noticeably narrower than the top and left.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a moderate black circular cancel that crosses Franklin’s profile. While the cancel obscures part of the vignette, the overall design remains legible. This cancel falls into the “Heavy” classification, but not to the level of very heavy or obliterating.

Collector’s Note:
Washington-Franklin high values with lighter or face-free cancels are more desirable. This cancel is somewhat detracting, but the portrait remains visible enough for identification and presentation.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The violet ink remains strong and reasonably fresh. However, perf creases, hinge marking, and the cancel placement slightly reduce visual appeal. Adjustment: –5 points.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 47
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 42 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 517
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (–30 for multiple minor and very minor faults)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact but with perf creases
Cancellation: Heavy black circular cancel, partially obscuring vignette
Eye Appeal: –5 deduction for cancel placement and overall freshness
Final Grade: 42 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #517 shows Fine/Very Fine centering but is reduced by a combination of faults and a detracting cancel. Despite its issues, it remains a collectible example of the 50¢ Franklin under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (827)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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