U. S. Scott #553 - Used - Graded G/VG (NA01-0091-01-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

553

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1925

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #553 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1½¢ Brown – Warren G. Harding, 1923
(4th Bureau Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #553 is a 1½¢ brown stamp from the 1923 regular issue of the 4th Bureau definitive series. It features a right-facing portrait of President Warren G. Harding within a formal oval frame flanked by ornamental panels. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” arcs above the portrait, while “1½ CENTS 1½” is displayed below. The stamp was printed using the flat plate method on unwatermarked paper and is perforated 11 on all sides.

The submitted example is a used, hinged single stamp that no longer retains original gum. It shows moderate wear consistent with usage and mounting, with visible back markings and an even, prominent cancellation.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 53 (Very Good)
The perforations appear to just barely touch or slightly intrude into the top of the design, with the bottom margin being the most generous. The left margin is somewhat narrower than the right, giving the stamp a slight leftward lean. The margins fall into the Very Good range under the 2009 PSE centering standards, where perforations touch or nearly touch the frameline.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp presents the following faults:
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant
Extremely Minor Fault: Pencil writing on reverse

This combination of a very minor and an extremely minor fault qualifies the stamp for a Very Minor Fault classification per PSE’s Table of Soundness.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –10 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with its issue. The perforations are complete and intact, with no evidence of trimming or reperforation. Despite the close margins on the top and left, the perforations remain structurally sound.

Cancellation Classification:
A horizontal machine cancel runs across the center of the stamp. It is strong but clean and does not obscure Harding’s portrait significantly. The lines are crisp and add a sense of postal authenticity without overwhelming the visual appeal.
Cancellation Classification: Neat/Clean Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 53 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –10 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 43 (Good/Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 43 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 553
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 53 (Very Good)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (hinge remnant, pencil writing)
Perforations: Perf 11, full and consistent
Cancellation: Clean machine cancel, not visually disruptive
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 43 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #553 has tight centering and some light handling flaws, but retains structural integrity and strong design clarity. The result is a final grade of 43 (Good/Very Good) per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (842)

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