U. S. Scott #559 - Used - Graded FR/G (LA01-0027-02-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

559

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1923

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #559 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
7¢ Black – William McKinley, 1923
(Regular Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, No Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #559 is a 7¢ black engraved stamp issued in 1923 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue. It features a finely detailed portrait of President William McKinley inside an oval frame adorned with laurel leaves and classical scrollwork. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” encircles the top of the frame, and “7 CENTS” is displayed prominently in ornate numerals in the lower corners. The stamp was printed using the flat plate process and is perforated 11 on all sides.

This example is postally used, shows evidence of prior hinging, and no original gum remains. The cancellation is bold and visually intrusive, and the reverse reveals both a hinge remnant and slight ink offset from the front design.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The design is well within the perforations on all sides, though the balance is noticeably off. The bottom margin is the narrowest, followed by the left; the top and right margins are more generous. While all four margins meet the minimum visibility criteria (0.2mm white space visible to the unaided eye), the uneven spacing and proximity of the bottom perforations to the design establish this example as a Fine centered stamp per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
There are no creases, tears, thins, or repairs present. However, two very minor issues are noted:
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer from the front design to the reverse
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, two very minor faults qualify the stamp for the Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all four sides, consistent with the issue. All perforation teeth are intact and show no evidence of trimming or reperforation. Despite the narrowness at the bottom and left, the perforations fully frame the design.

Cancellation Classification:
The cancel consists of thick, dark black vertical bars from a segmented circular date stamp (CDS) running through McKinley’s face and upper oval frame. The lines intersect directly with the eyes, nose, and chin, obscuring the most visually important features. This fits the PSE criteria for a Very Heavy Cancel, which obscures the central portrait and significantly detracts from visual clarity.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 40
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 25 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 559
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 70 (Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (hinge remnant, ink transfer on reverse)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact and consistent
Cancellation: Very Heavy CDS (vertical bars obscuring portrait)
Eye Appeal: –15 point deduction for cancellation severity
Final Grade: 25 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #559 retains full perforations and meets the Fine centering threshold. However, a combination of two very minor faults results in a Minor Fault classification, and the dark, heavy cancel seriously detracts from eye appeal. Accordingly, the final grade under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide is 25 (Fair/Good).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (714)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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