U. S. Scott #632 - MNH - Graded Fine (SD22-0002-07-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

632

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #632 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Green – Benjamin Franklin, 1926
(Fourth Bureau Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #632 is a 1¢ green stamp from the Fourth Bureau Issue, released in 1926. It features a profile portrait of Benjamin Franklin, the first Postmaster General of the United States. The engraved design includes symmetrical scrollwork framing the portrait, denomination indicators in both lower corners, and “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” arched at the top.

The example submitted is unused, never hinged, and retains its original gum. It has a very minor fault: slight discoloration visible on the reverse.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The margins are balanced with all four sides well clear of the design. The top and right sides are slightly tighter but consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering. Overall, the stamp appears even and well-proportioned to the unaided eye.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows a slight discoloration on the back, which qualifies as a very minor fault. There are no thins, creases, tears, or perforation damage. The gum is original, intact, and undisturbed with no hinge marks.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault (slight discoloration)
Soundness Deduction: –7 points
Adjusted Base Grade: 72 (Fine)

Perforations and Margins:
The perforations are clean, full, and evenly spaced on all four sides. Margins are proportioned well for the issue, with no encroachment into the design.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp displays strong green color, bold engraved lines, and fine detail. The slight discoloration is confined to the reverse and does not detract from the front appearance. Given the stamp’s strong face appeal, a modest eye appeal bonus is warranted.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –7 (very minor fault – discoloration)
Subtotal: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2
Final Grade: 74 (Fine – F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 632
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (slight discoloration on back)
Perforations: Fully intact and evenly spaced
Eye Appeal: Bold color and sharp detail; discoloration confined to reverse
Final Grade: 74 (Fine – F)

Final Verdict:
This unused, never hinged example of Scott #632 shows solid Fine/Very Fine centering, vibrant color, and sharp engraving. A very minor discoloration on the back slightly reduces its technical grade but does not impact the front presentation. The stamp earns a final numerical grade of 74 (Fine) and remains an attractive example of the Fourth Bureau Issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (833)

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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