U. S. Scott #553 - Unused - Graded VG (LA01-0027-01-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

553

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1925

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #553 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1½¢ Brown – Warren G. Harding, 1925
(U.S. Regular Issue – Fourth Bureau Issue, Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #553 was issued in 1925 as part of the Fourth Bureau definitive series. It features a left-facing portrait of President Warren G. Harding, framed by classical scrollwork. This stamp was printed on unwatermarked paper using flat plate methods and is perforated 11 on all four sides.

The example submitted is unused, hinged, and retains its original gum. It shows toning spots on the reverse, which qualify as a Minor Fault. The centering is clearly within Fine/Very Fine parameters.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp is slightly off-center toward the right. All four margins are full and clear of the design, and the perforation holes remain noticeably distant from the design elements. These characteristics qualify for Fine/Very Fine centering according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits toning spots visible on the back, particularly faint reddish spots. While this fault does not affect the presentation from the front, it qualifies as a Minor Fault under the PSE Soundness Guidelines.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points
Adjusted Base Grade: 58 (Very Good – VG)

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides, as expected for this issue. Perforations are clean and intact. Margins are slightly narrow at the left but full on the other three sides, contributing to an overall balanced appearance.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp has a deep brown impression with sharp contrast, enhancing the overall front appearance. The toning spots on the back are not visible from the front and do not affect eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1 point

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Base Grade (Centering + Minor Fault): 58
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 553
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (toning spots on back)
Perforations: Perf 11, clean and intact
Eye Appeal: +1 point for strong color and balanced presentation
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged example of Scott #553 has strong Fine/Very Fine centering, excellent brown coloration, and intact perforations. Toning spots are present on the back but are not visible from the front, preserving its visual appeal. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final numerical grade is 59 (Very Good), making it a solid example for mid-grade mint collections.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (831)

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