U. S. Scott #554 - Used - Graded VG (NA01-0091-01-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

554

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1923

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #554 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – George Washington, 1923
(4th Bureau Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11x10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #554 is a 2¢ carmine rotary press stamp issued in 1923 as part of the 4th Bureau definitive series. It features a left-facing bust of George Washington enclosed in a detailed oval frame. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” is inscribed at the top, with “2 CENTS 2” at the bottom. This issue was printed on unwatermarked paper and perforated 11x10½.

The submitted example is a used single stamp that has been hinged and no longer retains original gum. The face is clean, well-printed, and shows no visible cancellation, while the back exhibits mounting evidence and handling marks.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clearly free from encroachment by the perforations. The left margin is the narrowest, followed by the bottom; the top margin is the most generous. While the margins are unbalanced, they exceed the minimum threshold for Fine/Very Fine centering under PSE standards. All sides display clear white space to the unaided eye.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp displays the following faults:
Fault: Several ragged, fuzzy, or shorter perforations (about half normal length)
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant
Extremely Minor Fault: Pencil writing on the reverse

These collectively qualify the stamp for a Fault classification under the 2009 PSE Table of Soundness.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is correctly perforated 11x10½, consistent with rotary press issues. Several perforations—particularly on the left and bottom—are fuzzy or shortened but intact. No signs of trimming or reperforation are present.

Cancellation Classification:
There is no visible cancellation on the front of the stamp, yet it is clearly used based on the hinge remnant and absence of gum. Because the face presents as clean and undisturbed, the lack of a visible cancel enhances its visual appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 points (for a clean, cancel-free face that improves presentation without causing confusion about its used status)

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 48
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 (No visible cancel)
Final Grade: 53 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 554
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (ragged/short perforations, hinge remnant, pencil writing)
Perforations: Perf 11x10½, with multiple fuzzy or shortened tips
Cancellation: None visible
Eye Appeal: +5 point bonus for clean appearance
Final Grade: 53 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged Scott #554 exhibits strong centering and excellent visual presentation due to the absence of a front-facing cancellation. Though minor physical flaws reduce the base grade, the clean appearance merits a bonus, yielding a final score of 53 (Very Good) per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (714)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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