U. S. Scott #555 - Used [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 – Single Stamp)
3¢ Violet – Abraham Lincoln, 1923
(Fourth Bureau Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Type I, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #555 was issued in 1923 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue. The engraved design features a finely detailed portrait of President Abraham Lincoln in violet ink, framed by a classical rectangular border. The somber tone of the image reflects Lincoln’s enduring role as a unifier and statesman. This issue was printed by the flat plate method and perforated 11 on all sides.

This example is used, previously hinged, and retains no original gum. It bears a black “LOS ANGELES, CALIF.” precancel applied horizontally across the center. Unlike standard postal cancellations, the precancel does not obscure the portrait or diminish the design.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The stamp is slightly off center both left-to-right and top-to-bottom. The left and top margins are narrow, while the right and bottom margins are stronger. All four margins remain clear of the design, consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering under PSE standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows a slight corner perforation crease at the lower right and one shorter perforation at the lower left, about half normal length. These two issues fall under the Minor Fault classification, defined by the presence of two or three very minor faults.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. All perforations are intact with the exception of a single shorter perf at the lower left. The lower right corner shows a small crease. Margins are full on all sides but narrow at the top and left, aligning with the centering grade.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The violet ink remains rich with a strong impression. The black “LOS ANGELES, CALIF.” precancel is standard and does not reduce visual appeal since the portrait remains unobscured. Paper is clean with no staining or toning. No adjustment is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 56 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 56 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 555
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: Fine/Very Fine (76)
Soundness: Minor Fault (corner perf crease, short perf)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact with one shorter perf
Cancellation: Standard “LOS ANGELES, CALIF.” precancel, no deduction
Eye Appeal: Strong color and impression, no adjustment
Final Grade: 56 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #555 shows Fine/Very Fine centering with slightly narrow margins at the top and left. A short perforation and a corner crease reduce the soundness rating to the Minor Fault category. The Los Angeles precancel is typical for the issue and does not detract from the design. With strong color and clear impression, the stamp earns a final numerical grade of 56 (Very Good – VG) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (846)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Offers
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions