U. S. Scott #631 - MH [LA01-0031-02-04]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

631

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

75 (F/VF)

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #631 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1½¢ Brown – Warren G. Harding, 1926
(Harding Memorial Issue – Imperforate)

Design Overview:
Scott #631 is a 1½¢ brown imperforate stamp from the 1926 Harding Memorial Issue, honoring President Warren G. Harding. The design features a left-facing portrait of Harding enclosed within an oval frame bordered by scrollwork. The denomination “1½” appears in circles in the lower corners, flanking the word “CENTS.” This imperforate issue was not intended for general postal use and was typically cut from sheets by hand or machine.

The example submitted is unused, hinged, and retains its original gum. The back shows pencil markings and a hinge remnant, though hinging is evaluated separately for this issue.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp is well-centered for an imperforate issue. The bottom margin is particularly wide, while the top and left margins are slightly narrower but still comfortably clear of the design. Symmetry is strong, and the stamp presents well with the unaided eye.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has light pencil markings on the back, which constitute an extremely minor fault under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. There are no thins, creases, tears, or gum disturbances aside from the hinge, and the hinge remnant is not counted as a fault for this issue.
Soundness Classification: Extremely Minor Fault (pencil markings)
Soundness Deduction: –3 points
Adjusted Base Grade: 73

Perforations and Margins:
As an imperforate issue, the evaluation focuses on margin size and balance. The stamp’s margins are even and balanced, with a wide bottom margin that enhances visual appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp displays strong brown color and bold, detailed impression. The pencil marking on the back is not visible from the front and does not detract from overall presentation. A small eye appeal bonus is justified.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –3 (extremely minor fault – pencil marking)
Subtotal: 73
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2
Final Grade: 75 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 631
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Extremely Minor Fault (pencil marking on back)
Perforations: Imperforate issue (margin evaluation applied)
Eye Appeal: Strong color and balanced margins
Final Grade: 75 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)

Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged example of Scott #631 is a visually appealing stamp from the Harding Memorial Issue, noted for its wide bottom margin and crisp color. The pencil marking on the back is an extremely minor fault that does not affect its strong front presentation. With a final numerical grade of 75 (Fine/Very Fine), this stamp is a desirable addition for collectors of early 20th-century imperforate U.S. issues.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1042)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions