U. S. Scott #611 - Used - Graded Fine (LA01-0028-05-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

611

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 #611 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Black – Warren G. Harding Memorial Issue (Imperforate), 1923
(Flat Plate Printing, Imperforate, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #611 is the imperforate counterpart to the more common perforated memorial issue honoring President Warren G. Harding. Issued in 1923, this 2¢ black stamp was specially created for collectors and features a stately left-facing profile of Harding framed in an ornate oval. The top bears the inscription “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” and the dates of Harding’s birth and death (1865–1923), while the denomination “2 CENTS 2” is integrated into decorative scrolls at the bottom corners. As an imperforate issue, it was printed on flat plate presses and lacks watermark or perforations.

The example here is postally used, previously hinged, and has no original gum. It retains a complete design and bold printing, though several small flaws are present.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is well clear of the margins on all sides. The bottom margin is the narrowest, followed by the left, with the top and right being more generous. All margins meet the minimum spacing for Fine/Very Fine centering on imperforate issues per the 2009 PSE grading guide. The stamp’s squareness is well preserved, with no evidence of trimming or miscutting.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits two faults on the reverse:
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant
Extremely Minor Fault: Pencil notation (“G12”)
Together, these constitute a Very Minor Fault per PSE standards.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –7 points

Perforations and Margins:
As an imperforate issue, perforations are not applicable. Margin cuts are straight and clean on all four sides, with no signs of trimming into the design. The stamp’s shape is rectangular and aligns well with PSE expectations for authentic imperforate singles.

Cancellation Classification:
The wavy-line cancel crosses horizontally through the portrait and lower design but remains light enough to leave all major features legible. The cancellation is neat and evenly applied. It qualifies as a Neat/Clean Cancel under the 2009 PSE eye appeal guidelines.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

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

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 611
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (hinge remnant, pencil marking)
Margins: Full and clean; bottom and left narrower than top and right
Cancellation: Neat black grid, not visually disruptive
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Verdict:
This used, imperforate example of Scott #611 exhibits strong centering, clean-cut margins, and full design visibility. Minor reverse flaws bring down the grade slightly, but overall, the stamp earns a respectable 72 (Fine) in accordance with the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. A collectible piece with strong front presentation and no structural defects.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (733)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions