U. S. Scott #555 - Used - Graded VG (NA01-0091-02-01)

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, Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
3¢ Violet – Abraham Lincoln, 1923
(Fourth Bureau Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Type I)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #555 was issued in 1923 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue and features a finely engraved portrait of President Abraham Lincoln in a vertical format. The rich violet ink and classical frame reflect the dignified and somber tone intended for Lincoln’s image, emphasizing his enduring legacy as a statesman and unifier. This stamp was printed using the flat plate method and perforated 11x11.

This particular example bears a standard black “LOS ANGELES, CALIF.” precancel, a horizontal overprint used for bulk mail processing. Unlike standard cancellations, this precancel does not obscure design features and was applied at the post office prior to distribution.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: 76
(Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The design is slightly off-center left-to-right and top-to-bottom.
All four margins are present and clear of the design, although the left and top margins are narrow.
Meets criteria for Fine/Very Fine centering per the PSE centering scale.

? Soundness Evaluation
Fault Type Description
Very Minor Fault Slight corner perforation crease (lower right)
Very Minor Fault One shorter to short perforation (approx. half normal length, lower left)
These two faults fall under the definition of a Minor Fault per the PSE Table of Soundness:
“Two or three very minor faults or combination of very minor and extremely minor faults” = Minor Fault
Deduction for Soundness: –20 points

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforation Gauge: 11x11, standard for this issue.
Condition: Intact on all sides with no clipped or added perfs.
Issue Noted: One shorter perf at lower left; corner perf crease at lower right.
Margins: Full on all sides; narrow top and left margins consistent with F/VF centering.

? Cancellation Classification
Type: Precancel (Machine-applied overprint)
Text: “LOS ANGELES, CALIF.” in black ink, horizontally centered.
Impact: Does not obscure the portrait or design and does not reduce visual appeal.
Effect on Eye Appeal: None

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Factor Observation Adjustment
Color & Impression Rich violet ink, strong press impression No change
Cancellation Standard precancel (non-detracting) No change
Paper Condition Clean paper with no visible staining or toning No change
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +0 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Centering (Fine/Very Fine) 76
Soundness Deduction (Minor Faults) –20
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Precanceled – neutral) +0
Final Numerical Grade 56 (Very Good – VG)

? Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 555
Issue Date 1923 (Fourth Bureau Issue)
Condition Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Minor Fault (corner perf crease, short perf)
Perforations 11x11; full on all sides, one shorter perf
Cancellation Precanceled – LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (no deduction)
Eye Appeal Normal color and impression; no adjustment
Final Grade 56 (Very Good – VG)

? Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #555 shows Fine/Very Fine centering with minor edge irregularities: a short perf and a corner perf crease. The standard Los Angeles precancel does not detract from the design, and the color and impression remain strong. Based on the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final numerical grade is 56 (Very Good – VG), reflecting strong centering and standard usage faults for this issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (750)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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