U. S. Scott #563 - Used - Graded VG (LA01-0027-03-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

563

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 #563 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
11¢ Blue Green – Rutherford B. Hayes, 1923
(Regular Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, No Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #563 is an 11¢ blue green engraved stamp issued in 1923 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue. The design features a finely detailed portrait of President Rutherford B. Hayes, set within an ornate oval frame surrounded by symmetrical classical scrollwork. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” appears in a curved inscription above the portrait, with “11 CENTS 11” flanking the lower corners. The issue was printed using flat plate techniques and perforated gauge 11 on all four sides.

The submitted example is used, previously hinged, and lacks original gum. The cancellation is a moderately heavy circular date stamp, and the reverse reveals light pencil markings, a hinge remnant, and one shorter perforation.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
This stamp meets the visual criteria for Fine/Very Fine centering. All perforations clear the design visibly with the unaided eye. The bottom margin is the most narrow, followed by the left. The top margin is slightly broader, and the right is the most generous. Despite the slight imbalance, the margins are all acceptable for this centering tier under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults Observed:
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant
Extremely Minor Fault: Pencil writing on back
Extremely Minor Fault: One shorter perforation, approximately half normal length
These combine to qualify as a Minor Fault, per PSE’s classification for two or more very minor or extremely minor faults.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides, as expected for this issue. One perforation at the lower left appears shorter but not missing. The other perforations are complete and consistent with flat plate production, showing no signs of trimming or reperforation.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp is cancelled with a moderately heavy black CDS (circular date stamp), with “24” and partial town letters visible. The cancel crosses diagonally over the face and shoulder of Hayes, though it doesn’t fully obscure the portrait.
Cancellation Classification: Moderate Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 58
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 58 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 563
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (hinge remnant, pencil writing, one short perf)
Perforations: Perf 11, full with one shorter perf
Cancellation: Moderate CDS, over portrait but not obscuring
Eye Appeal: No adjustment
Final Grade: 58 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #563 presents respectable centering and decent visual balance. However, a combination of minor faults—particularly the short perf and back condition—limits its overall soundness. With a moderate cancel that does not overwhelm the portrait, the stamp earns a final grade of 58 (Very Good) according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (721)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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