U. S. Scott #571 - Used - Graded VG (SL01-0001-06-06)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

571

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 #571 (Used, Never Hinged, Partial Original Gum – Single Stamp)
$1 Deep Brown – Lincoln Memorial, 1923
(Fourth Bureau Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #571 is the $1 definitive from the 1922–1925 Fourth Bureau Issue, printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing using the flat plate method and perforated 11. The design depicts the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., framed in classical scrollwork, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” at the top and “ONE DOLLAR” at the base. This high-denomination stamp was intended for heavy or bulk mailings and remains one of the more desirable large-format issues of the series. The submitted example is used, has never been hinged, and retains partial original gum on the reverse.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The stamp’s margins are balanced but narrow, especially at the bottom, with the right margin narrower than the top. The left margin is the widest. All perforations are clear of the design, meeting the definition of Fine/Very Fine centering under the PSE 2009 scale.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is intact without tears, thins, or creases. However, two faults are present:
Minor Fault: Partial original gum
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer visible on the back
According to the 2009 PSE Soundness Table, this combination of a Minor Fault with an additional Very Minor Fault constitutes a “Minor Fault” classification.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides as expected for the issue. Perforations are intact with no clipping or reperforation evident. Margins show the expected balance for a Fine/Very Fine stamp: the bottom is narrowest, the left is broadest, and the right is narrower than the top.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The example bears a black, heavy horizontal oval cancel across the upper half of the design, with “SUPPLY” legible within. This obscures portions of the memorial but leaves the denomination clear. Under PSE guidelines, this is considered a heavy cancel, resulting in a deduction.

Collector’s Note:
While lighter cancels are preferred, this cancel provides clear postal history context without completely obliterating the design. Collectors of Bureau Issue dollar values often accept heavy cancels due to postal usage patterns.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points
The cancel, while not obliterating, does significantly intrude into the vignette. Color and impression remain strong, with only light gum disturbance and minor ink transfer on the back, keeping overall presentation average.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault classification)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 52 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 571
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, Partial Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (Partial gum, light ink transfer)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact and original
Cancellation: Heavy cancel across the upper vignette
Eye Appeal: –5 deduction for cancellation severity
Final Grade: 52 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #571 shows Fine/Very Fine centering but is limited by a heavy cancel and a Minor Fault classification. Despite these deductions, it remains a solid and collectible representative of the $1 Lincoln Memorial from the Fourth Bureau Issue under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (840)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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