U. S. Scott #615 - MH [LA01-0029-01-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

615

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1924

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #615 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – Huguenot-Walloon Tercentenary, 1924
(Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #615 is a 2¢ carmine commemorative stamp issued in 1924 as part of the Huguenot-Walloon Tercentenary series. The design depicts a historical scene of settlers disembarking on the New World shore, symbolizing the 1624 arrival of the Huguenots and Walloons. The image is framed within a half-moon arch inscribed with the commemorative text, flanked by decorative scrolls indicating the anniversary dates “1624” and “1924.” The issue was printed using the flat plate method and perforated 11 on all sides.

The submitted example is unused, previously hinged, and has original gum. The front exhibits solid visual detail, while the reverse reveals multiple small condition issues.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
This stamp displays Fine centering. The design is clear of perforations, though the bottom margin is quite narrow—approaching the lower limit of white space visibility. The top margin is the most generous, and overall the balance is adequate for the Fine grade under the 2009 PSE criteria.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp presents multiple issues. Several of the perforation tips show light creasing, which appears to have occurred during storage or handling. There is also a clear hinge remnant, and a red ink marking (“CHR”) visible through the gum on the back.
These faults collectively qualify as a Minor Fault under the PSE Grading Guide, with the hinge remnant and ink marking being extremely minor, and the perf tip creases rising to the minor level. This combination falls within the "Fault" soundness category.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –40 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp has full perforations on all four sides, gauged at Perf 11 as expected. No perforations are missing or cut, but multiple tips are creased and slightly frayed. These affect structural integrity slightly but do not rise to major damage.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Despite the faults, the stamp’s face is quite bold and clean, with a bright carmine tone and strong impression. There is no major detracting mark or blemish from the front. A neutral eye appeal modifier is warranted here.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –40 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 30
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 30 (Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 615
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 70 (Fine)
Soundness: Fault (perf tip creases, hinge remnant, ink marking)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact but lightly creased in places
Eye Appeal: Strong face, no deduction
Final Grade: 30 (Good)

Final Verdict:
This unused example of Scott #615 exhibits Fine centering and a visually attractive front, but the cumulative impact of multiple faults on the reverse—including perf tip creases and an ink mark—lowers the overall grade to 30 (Good) per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. The stamp remains collectible but is significantly impacted by its condition.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (896)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions