U. S. Scott #639 - Unused - Graded Good (LA01-0031-04-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

639

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #639 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
7¢ Black – William McKinley, 1926
(Series of 1922 – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #639 features a right-facing portrait of President William McKinley, rendered within an ornate oval frame. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” is prominently displayed at the top, with “7 CENTS 7” appearing in large numerals at the bottom corners. Part of the 1922 definitive series, this issue was produced using flat plate printing on unwatermarked paper and is perforated 11 on all four sides.

The submitted stamp is unused, has original gum, and has been previously hinged. While the front presents well in terms of layout and design strength, significant flaws are visible on the reverse.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clearly separated from the perforation holes, with the right margin being the most narrow and the bottom margin the most generous. The top is narrower than the left, but all four sides meet the criteria for the Fine/Very Fine category under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. Visual balance is maintained even if margins are not perfectly equal.

Soundness Evaluation:
A major fault is present in the form of a large thin, visible on the back in the upper-right quadrant. In addition to this, the stamp retains a hinge remnant (very minor fault), shows two shorter perforations (each about half the normal length), and a faint natural gum bend (extremely minor fault). These cumulative issues are classified collectively under the Major Fault category.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all four sides, as expected. Two perforation tips are shorter than normal but intact. No signs of trimming or reperforation are visible. Despite the technical issues, the stamp maintains decent physical integrity at the margins.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
From the front, the stamp retains strong black color, solid print clarity, and appealing contrast. The faults, though significant in soundness, are confined to the reverse or edges and do not impact visual presentation. No additional deduction or bonus is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 33
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 33 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 639
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (large thin, hinge remnant, two short perfs, minor gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact, with two shortened teeth
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 33 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This hinged example of Scott #639 is well-centered and presents attractively from the front. However, a significant thin on the reverse, in combination with additional minor issues, lowers its final grade to 33 (Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. Despite its technical faults, the stamp retains collectible appeal based on its face presentation and centering.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (723)

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

Public Questions