U. S. Scott #638 - Used - Graded G/VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

638

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #638 (Used, No Gum – Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #638 is a 6¢ orange stamp issued in 1926 as part of the U.S. Fourth Bureau Issue. It features a detailed portrait of President James A. Garfield facing right, enclosed in an ornate oval frame. Denomination numerals "6" appear in circles at the lower corners, with "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" and "CENTS" inscribed at the top and bottom. The Fourth Bureau Issue stamps are characterized by their consistent design style and were widely used in the 1920s.

This specimen is used, shows no gum, and bears a bold black circular cancel over the portrait.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (77)
The design is well-positioned with margins visibly clear of the perforations.
Left and top margins are slightly narrower than right and bottom, but none approach or touch the design.
Falls within the criteria for F/VF centering. ? Assigned Centering Grade: 77

Soundness Evaluation
? Minor Fault: Light crease (visible under light reflection on reverse)
No thins, tears, or gum disturbances noted.
Perforations are complete with no evident clipped or short teeth. ? Soundness Category: Minor Fault ? Soundness Deduction: –20 points ? Adjusted Base Grade: 57

Perforations & Margins
All perforation holes are fully punched and well-formed.
Margins meet Fine/Very Fine standards, though slightly tighter at the top left.
No trimming, re-perforating, or major irregularities noted.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Strong orange hue, solid impression, no fading
Cancellation Black circular cancel over face; obscures Garfield’s features
Overall Appearance Visually bold but slightly compromised due to cancel
The cancel crosses directly through Garfield’s face and beard. Though it does not obliterate the stamp’s design, it fits the Very Heavy Cancel category, based on obscuration of key design elements.
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –12 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Centering) 77
Soundness Deduction –20
Subtotal 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment –12
Final Grade 45

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 638
Condition Used, No Gum
Centering 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Minor Fault: Light crease
Perforations Full and even
Eye Appeal Very Heavy cancel (–12)
Final Grade 45 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

? Final Verdict
This is a Good/Very Good example of Scott #638. The stamp boasts strong color and complete perforations, with solid centering. However, the light crease and very heavy cancellation over Garfield’s face reduce its numerical grade to 45. Still collectible for a postally used example, especially within the context of 1920s definitive issues.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (673)

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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