U. S. Scott #616 - MH - Graded Good (LA01-0029-01-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

616

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1924

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #616 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – Huguenot-Walloon Tercentenary, 1924
(Commemorative Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #616 is a 5¢ blue commemorative stamp issued in 1924 to honor the 300th anniversary of the arrival of the Huguenots and Walloons in North America. The design features the Huguenot-Walloon Memorial at Mayport, Florida, a granite shaft surrounded by native flora, with a sun rising behind a body of water and ships in the background. The denomination “5” appears prominently in each lower corner, and the date ribbons “1624” and “1924” flank the upper frame. The stamp was printed using flat plate printing techniques, is perforated 11 on all sides, and is unwatermarked.

The example submitted is unused, previously hinged, and retains its original gum. From the front, it presents strong color and detail, though it suffers from notable issues on the reverse and minor physical wear.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clearly free of the perforation holes on all four sides. The bottom margin is the widest, followed by the right. The left margin is the most narrow, and the top is slightly more narrow than the right. The stamp satisfies the centering requirements for Fine/Very Fine based on the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits several issues on the reverse. A large thin or grouping of small thins is clearly present beneath the hinge remnant. There are also multiple creased perf tips and areas of surface abrasion or discoloration from the hinge or paper disturbance. These collectively place the stamp in the Major Fault category.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all four sides. All perforation holes are genuine, though several are creased or slightly bent. There is no evidence of trimming or scissor cuts. Horizontal and vertical alignment appear proper.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Despite the issues on the reverse, the face of the stamp retains strong color, contrast, and a crisp impression. The faults do not impact the face of the design or reduce overall visual integrity. Therefore, no eye appeal deduction is warranted.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 33
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 33 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 616
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (large thin, perf tip creases, gum disturbance)
Perforations: Perf 11, full and intact, minor creasing
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 33 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged example of Scott #616 features attractive Fine/Very Fine centering and excellent color. However, the presence of a major thin and other backside flaws significantly reduce the numerical grade. While visually appealing from the front, its structural integrity places it at a final grade of 33 (Good) according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (721)

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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