U. S. Scott #556 - Used - Graded G/VG (LA01-0027-02-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

556

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 #556 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Brown – Martha Washington, 1923
(4th Bureau Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #556 is a 4¢ brown stamp issued in 1923 as part of the 4th Bureau definitive series. It features a bust portrait of Martha Washington facing slightly right, framed within an ornamental oval. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” appears above, and “4 CENTS 4” is printed below. The stamp was printed using the flat plate method on unwatermarked paper and is perforated 11 on all sides.

The submitted example is a used single stamp that has been previously hinged and no longer retains its original gum. It shows typical postal wear, with several flaws affecting its final grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clear of all perforation holes. The left margin is the tightest, while the top is the most generous. The bottom margin is more narrow than the right but still safely clears the design. While not symmetrical, the stamp meets the Fine/Very Fine centering standard per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits the following faults:
Fault: Several ragged, fuzzy, or shorter perforations (approximately half normal length)
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant

These qualify the stamp for a Fault classification under the PSE soundness table.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all four sides, consistent with the flat plate production of this issue. The lower left corner and adjacent bottom perforations are notably irregular, with a few fuzzy or shortened teeth. Despite this, the stamp retains structural integrity and shows no evidence of reperforation or trimming.

Cancellation Classification:
A black circular cancel touches the lower left corner of the design and intrudes slightly into the bust. It is moderate in strength and detracts slightly from the visual clarity of the portrait but does not overwhelm the design.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 47
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 (Heavy cancel at lower left)
Final Grade: 42 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 556
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (ragged/short perfs, hinge remnant)
Perforations: Perf 11, consistent but worn along bottom and lower left
Cancellation: Heavy cancel, minor intrusion into design
Eye Appeal: –5 point deduction
Final Grade: 42 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #556 has strong centering and clean design structure, but its value is diminished by fuzzy perforations and a corner cancel that slightly mars the portrait. It earns a final grade of 42 (Good/Very Good) according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (722)

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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