U. S. Scott #553 - Used - Graded VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

553

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

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 within classical scrollwork. The stamp was printed using flat plate methods on unwatermarked paper and perforated 11 on all four sides.

This specimen is unused, hinged, with original gum, and exhibits toning spots on the back. The toning qualifies as a Minor Fault, and the centering is clearly within Fine/Very Fine parameters.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Slightly off-center toward the right.
All four margins are full and clear of the design.
The perforation holes are noticeably distant from the design, qualifying it for Fine/Very Fine centering under the PSE grading scale.

Soundness: Minor Fault (-20 deduction)
? Minor Fault: Toning spots, visible on the back, particularly faint reddish spots.
This fault does not affect the front presentation, but it qualifies as Minor Fault according to the 2009 PSE Soundness Guidelines.
➡️ Combined Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Minor Fault Soundness):
58 (Very Good – VG)2009_GradingGuide_092009

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Gauge: Perf 11.
Perforations are clean and intact on all sides.
Margins are slightly narrow at left but full on other sides, enhancing visual balance.

?️ Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Factor Description Adjustment
Color & Impression Deep brown impression with sharp contrast +1
Visible Faults Toning is not visible from front 0
Overall Appearance Balanced and clean design 0
? Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1 point

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Minor Fault) 58
Eye Appeal Adjustment +1
Final Numerical Grade 59 (Very Good – VG)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 553
Condition Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering 78 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Minor Fault (toning spots on back)
Perforations Perf 11 – clean and fully intact
Cancellation None (unused stamp)
Eye Appeal +1 (toning not visible on front, good color and balance)
Final Grade 59 (Very Good – VG)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #553 stamp has strong Fine/Very Fine centering, vibrant brown coloration, and excellent perforation quality. Although it has toning spots on the back, these are not visible from the front and do not detract from visual appeal. As a result, the stamp receives a final grade of 59 (Very Good – VG), making it a solid example for mid-grade mint collections.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (648)

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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