U. S. Scott #557 - Used - Graded VG/F (LA01-0027-02-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

557

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1922

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #557 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – Theodore Roosevelt, 1923
(4th Bureau Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #557 showcases President Theodore Roosevelt in a dignified engraved portrait, framed by ornate scrollwork in a rich ultramarine blue. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” arches over the top, while “5 CENTS 5” is inscribed at the bottom corners. Issued in 1923 as part of the 4th Bureau definitive series, this stamp was printed on unwatermarked paper via the flat plate method and is perforated 11 on all four sides.

This example is a used, previously hinged single, showing a faint postmark and some minor back faults. There is no remaining original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
All margins are clear of the design, qualifying for Fine/Very Fine status. The top margin is the narrowest, while the bottom is the widest. The left margin is slightly tighter than the right, though all are visually acceptable without aid. This centering meets the standard where the perforation holes are clear of the design but some margins may be narrow.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits the following faults:
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant
Very Minor Fault: Light Ink Transfer on back of stamp
Extremely Minor Fault: One shorter perf, about half normal length (×3)
Extremely Minor Fault: Pencil writing on back of stamp

This combination meets the threshold for Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Fully perforated 11 on all four sides. Three perforation tips (notably on the right and lower sides) are shorter than average but intact. The remaining perforations are generally uniform and exhibit no signs of trimming or reperforation.

Cancellation Classification:
This stamp bears only the faintest traces of cancellation—almost imperceptible at first glance. No parts of the cancel visibly obscure the design or portrait, and no bleed-through is present.
Cancellation Classification: Extremely Light Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 56
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 (Extremely Light cancel)
Final Grade: 61 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 557
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (hinge remnant, light ink transfer, 3 short perfs, pencil writing)
Perforations: Perf 11, with a few short or fuzzy tips
Cancellation: Extremely light, nearly invisible
Eye Appeal: +5 point bonus
Final Grade: 61 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Final Verdict:
Despite some minor flaws on the back and short perforations, this stamp’s excellent centering and barely-there cancel elevate its visual quality. It earns a respectable final grade of 61 (Very Good/Fine) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (732)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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