U. S. Scott #565 - Unused - Graded G/VG (NA01-0091-04-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

565

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1923

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #565 (Unused, Hinged, Partial Original Gum – Single Stamp)
14¢ Blue – American Indian, 1923
(Fourth Bureau Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Type I)

Design Overview:
Scott #565, part of the 1923 Fourth Bureau Issue, depicts a striking engraved portrait of a Native American in full ceremonial headdress, identified simply as "American Indian." The bold 14¢ design was engraved in deep blue ink and issued to cover parcel and registry rates. It remains one of the most visually iconic stamps of the series, combining patriotic symbolism with powerful engraving detail. Printed by the flat plate method and perforated 11x11, this stamp reflects the precision of early 20th-century stamp production.
This specimen is unused, has been hinged, and retains partial original gum. It exhibits a surface discoloration on the front, affecting its visual impact.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The design is well clear of all perforations, with balanced white space on all sides.
The right and top margins are narrower, but not impinging on the design.
Per PSE’s criteria, this places the stamp confidently in the Fine/Very Fine (78) range:
“The perforation holes are easily seen to be clear of the design, but one or two margins will be narrow.”

Soundness: Fault (–30 deduction)
Fault Type Description
Minor Fault Discoloration on the front of the stamp
Minor Fault Partial original gum
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide:
Discoloration on the front is classified as a Minor Fault
Partial original gum (when not NH) is also a Minor Fault
Two Minor Faults = Fault level deduction.
? Total Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations & Margins:
Gauge: 11x11
Full and intact perforation teeth around all four sides.
Slight uneven spacing, especially left-to-right, but no physical damage to the perforation tips.

Cancellation Classification:
❌ Not applicable – unused stamp

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Factor Observation Adjustment
Color & Impression Slight dulling due to front discoloration Already reflected in soundness
Paper Condition No major abrasions or creases 0 pts
Overall Appearance Bold design remains intact 0 pts
? Final Eye Appeal Adjustment: +0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (F/VF Centering) 78
Soundness Deduction (Fault) –30
Eye Appeal Adjustment +0
Final Numerical Grade 48 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 565
Condition Unused, Hinged, Partial Original Gum
Centering 78 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Fault (Discoloration on front + Partial Gum)
Perforations 11x11; intact and full
Cancellation None (unused stamp)
Eye Appeal No additional deductions
Final Grade 48 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #565 stamp features Fine/Very Fine centering and clean perforations, but its condition is impacted by discoloration on the front and partial gum, which together qualify as a Fault under PSE soundness definitions. These reduce the final grade to 48 (Good/Very Good – G/VG) per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. Despite these issues, the engraved portrait remains visually compelling.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (842)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Bids
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions