U. S. Scott #554 - MH - Graded VG/F

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

554

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1923

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #554 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – George Washington, 1923
(U.S. Regular Issue – Fourth Bureau Issue, Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #554 is a 2¢ carmine stamp issued in 1923 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue. It features a profile portrait of George Washington inside a classic oval frame, flanked by numerals of value. The stamp was printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing using flat plate methods on unwatermarked paper and perforated 11.

This example is unused, hinged, with full original gum. It shows solid Fine centering and has a hinge remnant, classifying the stamp with a Very Minor Fault for soundness purposes.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine – F)
The design is close to the perforation on the right and slightly high, but white space is still clearly visible to the unaided eye.
Framelines are not touched.
According to PSE standards, this qualifies as Fine centering.

Soundness: Very Minor Fault (-10 deduction)
⚪ Very Minor Fault: A hinge remnant is visible near the upper portion of the reverse.
No other visible defects, tears, or stains.
➡️ Base Grade (Fine Centering + Very Minor Fault Soundness):
61 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)2009_GradingGuide_092009

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Gauge: Perf 11 all around.
All perforations are complete and well-formed.
The top and right margins are narrow; bottom and left are slightly wider.

?️ Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Factor Description Adjustment
Color & Impression Bold red impression with clarity +1
Visible Faults Hinge remnant not visible from front 0
Overall Balance Strong visual symmetry despite tight right margin 0
? Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1 point

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine Centering + Very Minor Fault) 61
Eye Appeal Adjustment +1
Final Numerical Grade 62 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 554
Condition Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering 71 (Fine – F)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (hinge remnant)
Perforations Perf 11 – clean and complete
Cancellation None (unused stamp)
Eye Appeal +1 (good color and balanced appearance)
Final Grade 62 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #554 stamp is a well-preserved example of the 1923 2¢ Washington issue. It has Fine centering, vibrant carmine color, and solid perforation integrity. The only fault is a hinge remnant, qualifying as Very Minor, which reduces the base grade slightly. With its appealing presentation and intact gum, this stamp earns a final grade of 62 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (644)

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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