U. S. Scott #566 - Used - Graded VG (LA01-0027-03-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

566

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 #566 (Used, Hinged – Pair of Stamps)
15¢ Gray – Statue of Liberty, 1923
(Series of 1922 Regular Issues – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, No Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #566 features a dramatic rendering of the Statue of Liberty, with New York Harbor in the background. The statue rises within an ornate frame, flanked by denomination numerals and topped with the inscription “UNITED STATES POSTAGE.” “LIBERTY” appears on a curved ribbon below the statue. This flat plate-printed issue, released in 1923, was part of the regular postage series and is perforated 11 on unwatermarked paper.

The submitted example is a used pair, hinged with no original gum. The front carries a bold "BALTIMORE, MD." machine cancel that partially overlaps the central design.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp maintains white space between the design and perforations on all four sides. The right margin is the tightest, followed by the top margin, while the left and bottom are more generous. Though slightly unbalanced, the spacing meets the Fine/Very Fine threshold per 2009 PSE guidelines. The overall appearance is respectably centered and visually cohesive.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp presents the following condition issues:
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant on the back.
Extremely Minor Fault: Two shorter perforations (approximately half length).
Extremely Minor Fault: Light pencil marking on the reverse ("LXXII").

This combination qualifies as a Minor Fault classification due to two extremely minor faults and one very minor fault.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations are correct at gauge 11, with all rows intact. Two perforation tips are noticeably shorter but not broken or clipped. No indication of reperforation is present. Margins are adequate and conform to the grading standard.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a precancel-style "BALTIMORE, MD." horizontal bar cancel, typical of bulk mail use. Though dark and centrally applied, the cancel does not completely obscure the statue's silhouette and retains some visual harmony with the design.
Cancellation Classification: Clean/Neat
Eye Appeal Adjustment: No deduction or bonus

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: 566
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (hinge remnant, two short perfs, pencil mark)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact with slight variation
Cancellation: “BALTIMORE, MD.” precancel, bold but not obscuring
Eye Appeal: No adjustment
Final Grade: 58 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #566 features strong centering and a definitive cancel. While the stamp is structurally sound, several reverse-side faults and slightly short perfs reduce the grade under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide to 58 (Very Good).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (839)

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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