U. S. Scott #610 - MNH - Graded G/VG (SL01-0001-07-06)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

610

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1923

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #610 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Black – Warren G. Harding Memorial Issue, 1923
(Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #610 is a 2¢ black memorial stamp issued in 1923, honoring President Warren G. Harding. It depicts a left-facing bust of Harding in a finely detailed oval frame with ornate scrolls and bold numerals at the base. The stamp is flat plate printed, unwatermarked, and perforated 11. As the first U.S. memorial issue, it holds a distinct place in philatelic history.

The submitted example is unused, never hinged, and features bright original gum. The design is sharp, though the margins are clearly unbalanced.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 55 (Very Good)
The design nears the perforation holes on the right side and, to a lesser extent, the top. The left margin is the widest, and the bottom is wider than the top. According to the PSE grading scale, this qualifies as “Very Good” centering, where the design just touches or slightly enters the frameline.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp has one very minor and one extremely minor fault:
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer visible on the reverse
Extremely Minor Fault: Guideline visible only on left perforation tips
The combination qualifies as a Very Minor Fault, resulting in a –11 point deduction.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –11 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all four sides, the stamp exhibits clean and full perforation teeth. No alterations, scissor cuts, or reperforation are present. Margins are uneven, with the right and top sides being the tightest.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp has good contrast, clean paper, and a strong impression. The minor ink transfer and perf-tip guideline do not impact the visible face of the design. No eye appeal bonus or deduction is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 55 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –11 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 44
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 44 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 610
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 55 (Very Good)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (light ink transfer, guideline on perf tips)
Perforations: Perf 11, full and intact
Eye Appeal: No bonus or deduction
Final Grade: 44 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This never hinged example of Scott #610 presents well from the front and retains strong original gum. While centering is skewed toward the right and top, and a couple of minor production-related flaws are present, the stamp still earns a solid 44 (Good/Very Good) grade per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. It remains a visually respectable example for collectors of early 20th-century commemoratives.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (775)

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

Public Questions