U. S. Scott #634 - Unused - Graded G/VG (NA01-0105-02-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

634

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1926

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #634 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – George Washington, 1926
(Series of 1922 – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #634 features a left-facing portrait of George Washington framed in a classical oval. The denomination “2 CENTS 2” is flanked on both lower corners, while “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” appears along the top. This stamp belongs to the 1926 rotary press definitive issue, distinguished by unwatermarked paper and perforated 11 on all four sides. Rotary press stamps often exhibit slight curvature in the design due to the nature of their printing method.

This example is unused, has full original gum, and has been previously hinged. While it presents well overall, some physical faults impact its technical grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is visibly clear of the perforations on all sides. The right margin is the most generous, followed by the top. The left and bottom margins are more narrow, with the left margin approaching the Fine threshold. All margins exceed the minimum margin standards required for Fine/Very Fine centering, especially given the issue’s narrower tolerances as a rotary press stamp.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp displays multiple irregularities in the perforations, with several tips appearing ragged, fuzzy, or shortened to about half their normal length. This level of imperfection qualifies as a Fault under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. A minor natural gum bend is also present on the reverse, considered an Extremely Minor Fault. The overall classification remains under the Fault tier due to the severity of the perforation issues.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue’s specifications. Several perforations, particularly along the left and bottom edges, appear irregular and shortened. There are no signs of reperforation or trimming. Margins are visibly unequal but within acceptable limits for the assigned centering grade.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Despite the perforation flaws, the stamp maintains strong coloration, clean design registration, and decent freshness. The ragged perforations are noticeable but do not dominate the visual field. No additional deduction is applied for eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 49
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 49 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 634
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (multiple ragged/short perfs, minor natural gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, several irregular tips
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 49 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This hinged example of Scott #634 shows well-balanced centering and vibrant color, but multiple ragged and shortened perforations prevent it from attaining a higher grade. Although visually acceptable from the front, the faults lower its numerical rating to 49 (Good/Very Good) in accordance with the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (880)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions