U. S. Scott #599 pair - Used - Graded Fair (SL01-0001-09-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

599

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Pair

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1923

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #599 (Used, Never Hinged – Horizontal Pair)
2¢ Carmine – George Washington, 1929
(Washington-Franklin Series – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11 x 10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #599 is a 2¢ carmine rotary press-printed stamp issued in 1929 as part of the later Washington-Franklin series. It features a profile portrait of George Washington enclosed in an ornamental oval frame, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” printed above and “2 CENTS” below. This stamp was commonly used for coil and sheet distribution and was printed on unwatermarked paper with 11x10½ perforations.

The submitted example is a used, never hinged horizontal pair with no original gum. While the design is intact, the pair suffers from a severe crease visible in the reverse scan.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design of both stamps is fully clear of the perforations. The right margin is the narrowest, followed by the left; the bottom margin is the widest. Margins are visibly unbalanced but meet the PSE standard for Fine/Very Fine centering. There is no encroachment into the design, and the perforations, although slightly irregular, are placed within acceptable parameters.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has a heavy horizontal crease spanning the pair, visible on both the front and back. There are no other structural faults (e.g., thins, tears, or missing perforations) aside from minor wear due to use. The crease qualifies as a Major Fault under the 2009 PSE guidelines.

Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –50 points

Perforations and Margins:
This pair is perforated 11 vertically and 10½ horizontally, consistent with Scott #599. Perforations are mostly intact and fully punched, though some appear slightly uneven, likely due to the crease. There is no evidence of reperforation or trimming. The pair retains its format integrity with visible margin separation between the two stamps and full perfs on all outer edges.

Cancellation Classification:
The black wavy-line machine cancel crosses both stamps but does not fully obscure the portrait or text. It is moderately heavy but still allows design clarity and portrait visibility.

Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –50 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 26 (Fair/Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 16 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 599
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (Heavy crease)
Perforations: Perf 11 x 10½, consistent with issue
Cancellation: Heavy, but does not fully obscure the design
Eye Appeal: –10 point deduction due to cancellation
Final Grade: 16 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This used, never hinged horizontal pair of Scott #599 displays solid centering and intact design elements, but is significantly impacted by a heavy crease that constitutes a major fault. Combined with a heavy cancellation, the stamp receives a final grade of 16 (Fair) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (733)

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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