U. S. Scott #591 - Used [LA01-0028-02-05]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

591

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1925

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #591 (Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
10¢ Orange Yellow – Daniel Webster, 1923
(Fourth Bureau Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #591 is a 10¢ orange yellow definitive issued in 1923 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue. The design features a left-facing portrait of Daniel Webster, the American statesman and orator, enclosed within an ornate oval frame. The inscription “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” appears at the top, with denomination numerals “10” at the lower corners. This issue was flat-plate printed, perforated 11, and released on unwatermarked paper.

The submitted example is postally used, retains no gum, and shows no signs of hinging. It is impacted by heavy cancellation and physical condition issues.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 30 (Good)
The stamp is significantly off-center, with perforations cutting into the design at the top and left. White space is minimal and unevenly distributed, leaving the portrait crowded within the frame. This loss of balance is consistent with Good centering under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The Stamp Shows the Following:
Minor Fault: Light crease visible on the reverse under magnification
No tears, thins, or repairs are present.
The back displays slight discoloration, though it does not affect paper integrity.

Soundness Deduction: –10 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated gauge 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. While complete, several perforation tips are irregular due to tight margins. The top perforations intrude into the frameline above the head, and the left side nicks into the oval, confirming the Good centering classification.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black circular cancel, struck heavily over the vignette. The cancel obscures much of Webster’s portrait and surrounding detail. Under PSE guidelines, this qualifies as a Very Heavy Cancel.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 30 (Good)
Soundness Deduction: –10 (Minor Fault – crease)
Adjusted Base Grade: 20
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 5 (Poor – P)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 591
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 30 (Good)
Soundness: Minor Fault (light crease)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact but intruding into the design
Cancellation: Very Heavy, obscuring portrait
Eye Appeal: –15 deduction for cancel impact
Final Grade: 5 (Poor – P)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #591 is heavily penalized for intrusive centering, a light crease, and a very heavy cancellation that obscures Daniel Webster’s portrait. While it retains catalog and historical interest, the final grade of 5 (Poor) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide places it as a low-tier filler example in a collection of the Fourth Bureau Issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (908)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions