U. S. Scott #537 - Used - Graded Fair

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

537

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1919

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #537 (Used, Hinged, No Gum - Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #537 is a 3-cent Victory Issue from 1919, commemorating the end of World War I. The design features a female allegorical figure of Victory, standing in front of six flags, including the American flag, symbolizing the Allied nations. The inscription "U.S. POSTAGE" appears at the top, while the denomination "3 CENTS" is displayed at the bottom. The stamp is printed in purple ink and issued with perforations measuring 11.

This example is used, previously hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Very Good (57)
✔ The stamp exhibits Very Good (57) centering, meaning the perforations touch or slightly cut into the design in at least one area.
✔ The left margin appears very tight, with the perforations almost touching the frame.
✔ The top margin is also slightly off-center, contributing to the Very Good designation.

Soundness Evaluation
This stamp exhibits multiple faults, including: ✔ Major Fault: Large Thin – A significant thinning of the paper is visible on the back of the stamp, affecting structural integrity.
✔ Very Minor Fault: Hinge mark / hinge remnant – Present, but secondary in impact compared to the large thin.
✔ No Gum – Expected for a used stamp, so it does not contribute to further deductions.

? Adjusted Soundness Grade: Major Fault (-40 points).
✔ Final Grade Before Eye Appeal Adjustment: 17 (Fair - F).

Perforations & Margins
✔ This is a fully perforated stamp with standard 11-gauge perforations.
✔ The perforations are intact, but they slightly cut into the design, affecting centering.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
✔ Color & Impression: The stamp maintains a recognizable purple color, but appears faded and slightly worn.
✔ Cancellation Mark: A heavy cancellation is visible, especially on the right side, reducing clarity.
✔ Overall Presentation: The stamp has a tired appearance, reducing its visual appeal.

? Eye Appeal Deduction: -5 points for a heavy cancel and slight color fading.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Very Good Centering) 57
Soundness Deduction (Major Fault: Large Thin, Hinge Mark) -40
Eye Appeal Deduction (Heavy Cancel, Slight Fading) -5
Final Numerical Grade 12 (Fair - F)

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 537
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 57 (Very Good - VG)
Soundness Major Fault (-40: Large Thin, Hinge Mark)
Perforations Perf 11, Slightly Cutting into Design
Eye Appeal -5 (Heavy Cancel, Fading)
Final Grade 12 (Fair - F)

? Final Verdict
This used, hinged Scott #537 stamp with no gum receives a Fair (12) final grade, reflecting the Very Good (57) centering but with heavy deductions due to a large thin, hinge mark, and significant cancellation wear. The poor structural integrity and heavy cancelation lower its desirability, making it primarily a filler example for a reference collection rather than a high-value collectible.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (631)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Offers
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions