U. S. Scott #605 - Used - Graded Fine (LA01-0028-04-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

605

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1925

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #605 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1½¢ Brown – Warren G. Harding, 1923
(Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, No Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #605 is a 1½¢ brown stamp from the 1923 Fourth Bureau Issue, featuring a right-facing portrait of President Warren G. Harding. The stamp bears the denomination in ornate numerals within bottom corner tablets, and the name “HARDING” beneath the portrait. Flat plate printed and perforated 11, it is a common workhorse issue of the period, issued shortly after Harding’s death.

The submitted example is used, shows moderate cancellation, and has no original gum. The back exhibits a hinge remnant and pencil notation.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp's margins are clear of the design on all sides. The top margin is slightly narrow compared to the others, and the image is positioned just a bit high and slightly right. These characteristics still qualify for Fine/Very Fine centering under the PSE 2009 guidelines.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has a hinge remnant, which constitutes a very minor fault, and pencil writing on the back, an extremely minor fault. Together, they qualify as a Very Minor Fault category per the PSE classification. There are no tears, thins, or significant creases.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –6 points

Perforations and Margins:
All perforations are intact and generally well-formed, with no significant short, pulled, or ragged perfs. The margins are aligned with expectations for the centering grade, with slightly narrower top and left margins and a generous right side.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The cancellation is light to moderate and well-placed. While it does pass through the portrait, it does not obscure the face or detract significantly from the visual balance. This type of cancel does not merit a penalty nor qualify for a bonus under PSE criteria.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp maintains good color and contrast, and the cancel is not overly distracting. No deduction or bonus is warranted.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –6 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 605
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (hinge remnant, pencil writing)
Perforations: Perf 11, well-formed, unaltered
Cancellation: Light to moderate, visible but not disruptive
Eye Appeal: No bonus or penalty
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #605 shows Fine/Very Fine centering and only very minor faults. It retains clean color and solid perforations, with a moderate cancel that does not impair the subject. Its final numerical grade of 72 is a reflection of its overall above-average presentation despite minor flaws on the reverse.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (738)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions