U. S. Scott #581 - Used - Graded Fine (LA01-0028-01-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

581

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1923

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #581 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Green – Benjamin Franklin, 1923
(Series of 1922–1925 – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Single-Line Watermark, Philadelphia “Pa.” Type I Overprint)

Design Overview:
Scott #581 is a 1¢ green stamp from the 1922–1925 Regular Issue series, part of the definitive set designed to replace the Washington-Franklin issues. It features a left-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin enclosed in a vertically oriented oval, flanked by ornamental scrollwork and framed by rectangular panels with “U.S. POSTAGE” at top and “1 CENT” at bottom. The printing was executed by the flat plate method on paper bearing a single-line watermark, and the stamp is perforated 11 on all four sides.

The submitted example includes a black overprint reading “Philadelphia Pa.”—one of the Type I Bureau precancel overprints applied for bulk mail purposes. The stamp has been postally used, is hinged, and does not retain any original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
All four margins are clear of the design, but not evenly balanced. The left margin is the narrowest, followed by the top. The right margin is more generous, and the bottom margin is the widest. No perforation comes close to impinging on the design. Based on PSE’s centering standards, this stamp qualifies for Fine/Very Fine centering with sufficient margin clearance and visual balance typical of the issue.

Soundness Evaluation:
Two faults are present: a hinge remnant (very minor fault) and pencil writing on the reverse (extremely minor fault). According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the combination of one very minor and one extremely minor fault qualifies this stamp for a Very Minor Fault classification, resulting in a deduction of 7 points from the base grade.

Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –7 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all four sides, consistent with the issue. All perforations are clean, fully formed, and free from damage or signs of trimming. There are no signs of reperforation, separation, or alteration.

Cancellation Classification:
The “Philadelphia Pa.” Type I precancel overprint is strong and well-centered, printed in crisp black ink. It overlays the design with visual clarity and uniform inking. Since precancels are standard for this issue and are not considered disfiguring, there is no negative adjustment to eye appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –7
Adjusted Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 72 (Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 581
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (hinge remnant, pencil notation)
Perforations: Perf 11, full and intact
Cancellation: Philadelphia Pa. precancel (Type I), sharp and centered
Final Grade: 72 (Fine)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #581 is a well-centered and cleanly struck Philadelphia precancel. Despite minor faults on the reverse, the stamp’s front-facing presentation remains strong, with ample margins and crisp perforations. The final grade of 72 places it in the Fine category under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (714)

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