U. S. Scott #618 - MH - Graded VG (LA01-0029-02-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

618

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1925

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #618 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – Lexington-Concord, 1925
(Huguenot-Walloon Tercentenary Issue – Engraved, Perf 11, Flat Plate Printing)

Design Overview:
Scott #618 commemorates the Huguenot-Walloon Tercentenary and specifically the 1775 battles of Lexington and Concord. The stamp features a detailed historical vignette of American militiamen confronting British troops, with rifles flanking each side and scrollwork anchoring the design. The “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” banner sits prominently at the top, with “LEXINGTON–CONCORD” inscribed in bold at the bottom. Issued in 1925 and printed via flat plate engraving, the design is rich in historical detail and emblematic of early 20th-century commemorative stamp artistry.

The submitted example is unused, previously hinged, and retains original gum. The front of the stamp shows solid visual appeal, with strong carmine coloration and bold impression. The back displays minor cosmetic issues.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clear of the perforations on all four sides. The top margin is the most generous, while the bottom margin is the narrowest, approaching the Fine threshold. The left margin is wider than the right, which is also slightly narrow but retains sufficient clearance. Based on the margin visibility and balance, this qualifies for a Fine/Very Fine centering grade under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp has several faults on the reverse. A very minor ink transfer is visible in scattered red flecks. There is light dirt spotting/smudging, a hinge remnant near the top center, and one shorter perf tip that measures about half its normal length. These constitute three very minor faults and one extremely minor fault, which combine to yield a classification of “Minor Fault.”
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations are consistent with the expected 11 gauge on all sides. All perforations are intact, with one noticeably shorter tip. There are no signs of trimming or reperforation. The margins are balanced enough for the assigned centering grade, with the top appearing notably broader than the others.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Despite the reverse faults, the front of the stamp shows a clean, vibrant carmine hue with good impression and clarity. There is no excessive gum disturbance, staining, or discoloration affecting visual integrity. The reverse faults do not compromise eye appeal from the front, so no deduction or bonus is warranted.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 618
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (light ink transfer, dirt spotting, hinge remnant, one short perf)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact with one shorter tip
Eye Appeal: No adjustment
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged example of Scott #618 offers bold presentation from the front, with Fine/Very Fine centering and attractive coloration. Minor faults on the reverse reduce its soundness score, but do not detract from the historical charm and display appeal. It earns a final grade of 57 (Very Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (831)

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

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