U. S. Scott #552 - MH - Graded Fair

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

552

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1923

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #552 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Green – Benjamin Franklin, 1922
(U.S. Regular Issue – Fourth Bureau Issue, Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #552 is a 1¢ green stamp issued in 1922 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue, portraying Benjamin Franklin in profile within a classical frame. This definitive stamp was printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing using flat plate methods on unwatermarked paper, perforated 11 on all four sides.

This specimen is unused, hinged, with original gum, and exhibits multiple significant faults, including multiple edge tears, a stain, partial gum, and a hinge remnant. These condition issues combine to lower the soundness classification to Severe Fault.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The design is clearly off-center to the top and slightly left.
All framelines are completely clear of perforations.
Margins are narrow at the top and left, consistent with Fine/Very Fine per PSE definitions.

Soundness: Severe Fault (-55 deduction)
? Severe Fault: Multiple visible edge tears – notably one at top left and another at bottom right (seen from reverse).
? Fault: Small brown stain near lower left front.
? Minor Fault: Partial gum coverage (original gum patchy in areas).
⚪ Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant visible at upper center.
These qualify the stamp for Severe Fault soundness under the 2009 PSE Guide, where multiple tears combined with additional faults justify maximum deduction.
➡️ Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Severe Fault Soundness):
21 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Gauge: Perf 11 all sides.
Perforations are generally intact but disrupted by tears.
Margins are full at right and bottom; narrow at top and left.

?️ Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Factor Description Adjustment
Color & Impression Rich green tone and strong detail +1
Visible Faults Multiple edge tears and visible stain –10
Overall Appearance Damage significantly lowers aesthetic quality –5
? Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: –14 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Severe Fault Soundness) 21
Eye Appeal Adjustment –14
Final Numerical Grade 7 (Poor – PR)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 552
Condition Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Severe Fault (multiple tears, stain, partial gum, hinge remnant)
Perforations Perf 11 – disrupted by edge damage
Cancellation None (unused stamp)
Eye Appeal –14 (damage reduces visual quality despite good color)
Final Grade 7 (Poor – PR)

? Final Verdict:
While this Scott #552 stamp features attractive Fine/Very Fine centering and a clear design impression, its collectibility is significantly impacted by multiple edge tears, visible staining, and gum issues, yielding a final grade of 7 (Poor – PR). It may serve as a reference or placeholder in an intermediate collection but lacks the integrity for display or resale at higher condition levels.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (634)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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