U. S. Scott #564 - Used - Graded VG (LA01-0027-03-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

564

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 #564 (Used, Hinged – Pair of Stamps)
12¢ Claret Brown – Grover Cleveland, 1923
(Series of 1922 Regular Issues – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, No Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #564 features a portrait of President Grover Cleveland facing right, enclosed in an oval frame adorned with ornate scrollwork and laurel branches. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” arches across the top, while “12 CENTS” is inscribed at the bottom with large numeral denominations in the lower corners. Printed via flat plate method on unwatermarked paper and perforated 11, this 1923 issue belongs to the Series of 1922 regular postage stamps.

The submitted example is a used pair with no original gum and evidence of previous hinging. The front shows both stamps with clear details and an oval black cancel. However, the back reveals minor physical issues impacting soundness and presentation.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
This pair exhibits clearly visible white space between the perforation holes and the design on all sides, satisfying Fine/Very Fine centering standards per the PSE guide. The right stamp has the narrowest margin on its right side, with slightly more space on the left and bottom. The centering is not fully balanced, but comfortably clears the minimum 0.4mm threshold typical for this issue.

Soundness Evaluation:
Several flaws are present, including:
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer on the back, likely from contact with another printed surface.
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant evident at the top center of the reverse side.
Extremely Minor Faults: Two shorter perforations, approximately half the length of standard perfs.

These faults collectively meet the criteria for a Minor Fault under the 2009 PSE guidelines (two very minor faults and additional extremely minor issues).
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamps are perforated 11 as expected for the issue. Aside from the two shortened tips, all other perforations are intact and consistent. There is no indication of reperforation or edge trimming.

Cancellation Classification:
The black oval cancel crosses both stamps diagonally, lightly covering Cleveland’s portrait but remaining within acceptable bounds. The cancellation is moderately applied and does not significantly obscure the design.
Cancellation Classification: Neat/Clean Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: No deduction or bonus

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 564
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (ink transfer on back, hinge remnant, two shorter perfs)
Perforations: Perf 11, consistent, with a couple short tips
Cancellation: Light oval cancel, non-obscuring
Eye Appeal: No adjustment
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This used pair of Scott #564 presents clear detail and solid centering. While visually appealing from the front, the back reveals multiple small flaws that limit its overall grade. Nonetheless, it remains a decent example of this early 20th-century high-value issue, receiving a final PSE-grade equivalent of 57 (Very Good).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (821)

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