U. S. Scott #551 - Unused - Graded Good (NA01-0091-01-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

551

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1925

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #551 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
½¢ Yellow Green – Nathan Hale, 1925
(4th Bureau Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #551 is a ½¢ yellow green stamp issued in 1925 as part of the 4th Bureau Issue. It features a portrait of Nathan Hale facing forward, flanked by laurel leaves, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” at the top, “NATHAN HALE” on a ribbon below the portrait, and the denomination “½ CENT ½” at the bottom corners. It was printed using the flat plate process, perforated 11 on all sides, and produced on unwatermarked paper.

The submitted example is an unused single stamp with original gum and a visible hinge remnant. The front design is intact, but the centering and perforation integrity are suboptimal.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 50 (Very Good)
The perforations touch or appear to touch the design on the top and right sides, which classifies this stamp as having Very Good centering under the 2009 PSE guidelines. The left margin is the most generous, while the top and right sides show definite compression into the design. The bottom margin is slightly wider but not enough to pull the grade above the Very Good range.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits the following faults:
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant
Extremely Minor Fault: One shorter perf (about half normal length) ×2

According to the 2009 PSE soundness criteria, two extremely minor faults combined with a very minor fault place the stamp in the Minor Fault category.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides as expected. Two perforations—one along the top and one along the bottom—are shorter than normal but still visible. No trimming or reperforation is present. The remaining perforations are slightly irregular but intact.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Despite the tight margins and perforation flaws, the design retains clarity and contrast. Color is strong, paper is clean, and impression is sharp. These contribute to a stable visual presentation. No additional deductions or bonuses are applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 50 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 30 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 30 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 551
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 50 (Very Good)
Soundness: Minor Fault (hinge remnant, two shorter perfs)
Perforations: Perf 11, consistent with issue but partially compromised
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 30 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This hinged example of Scott #551 is visually complete but hampered by tight margins and minor perf issues. While it maintains its structural and historical integrity, the centering and soundness collectively lower its numerical grade to 30 (Good) per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (714)

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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