U. S. Scott #555 - Used - Graded G/VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

555

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 #555 (Used, No Gum - Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #555 is a 3-cent Abraham Lincoln stamp from the 1922–1925 Fourth Bureau Issue. The stamp features an engraved portrait of Abraham Lincoln, set within a decorative frame. The denomination "3 CENTS" is displayed at the bottom, while "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" is inscribed at the top.

This example is used, has no gum, and has never been hinged.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (76)
✔ The perforation holes are clear of the design, but one or two margins are slightly narrow.
✔ The stamp meets the Fine/Very Fine (76) centering definition, with the top margin appearing noticeably narrower than the bottom.
✔ The left and right margins are slightly uneven but remain within the acceptable range for F/VF centering.

Soundness Evaluation
✔ This Stamp Has a Fault: Natural Straight Edge, which is considered a major fault.
✔ Additionally, it has a Very Minor Fault: A prominent guideline on one or two sides.
✔ There are no creases, thins, or significant paper flaws apart from these faults.

? Adjusted Soundness Grade: -30 deduction for Fault (Natural Straight Edge + Guideline Prominent).
✔ Final Grade Before Eye Appeal Adjustment: Good/Very Good (46).

Perforations & Margins
✔ The stamp features fully intact perforations on three sides, while the fourth side has a natural straight edge.
✔ Margins are uneven, with the top margin being the narrowest.
✔ The guideline is visible, indicating a position from a plate imprint or margin copy.

Cancellation Classification: Moderate Black Cancellation
✔ The cancellation is dark and clearly visible, applied diagonally across the lower-right side of the stamp.
✔ The design remains readable and distinguishable, with Lincoln’s face and key design elements still visible.
✔ The cancellation is not too heavy, though it covers a portion of the bottom right, including part of the denomination.
✔ Falls between Neat/Clean and Heavy in the eye appeal guidelines.

? Eye Appeal Adjustment: -5 points applied

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine/Very Fine Centering) 76
Soundness Deduction (Natural Straight Edge + Guideline Prominent) -30
Eye Appeal Deduction (Moderate Cancellation) -5
Final Numerical Grade 41 (Good/Very Good - G/VG)

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 555
Condition Used, No Gum
Centering 76 (Fine/Very Fine - F/VF)
Soundness Fault (Natural Straight Edge + Guideline - Deduction Applied)
Perforations Intact on three sides, natural straight edge on one side
Cancellation Moderate Black Cancellation (-5 points applied)
Eye Appeal Minor Deduction (-5 points)
Final Grade 41 (Good/Very Good - G/VG)

? Final Verdict
This used Scott #555 stamp receives a final numerical grade of 41 (Good/Very Good - G/VG). The moderate black cancellation is clearly visible but does not entirely obscure the design. The deduction for cancellation reflects a slight loss of eye appeal, but the stamp remains an acceptable collectible piece for those interested in used examples of the Fourth Bureau Issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (569)

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

Public Questions