U. S. Scott #639 - Unused - Graded VF

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

639

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

80 (VF)

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #639 (Unused, Hinged, Original Gum)

Design Overview:
Scott #639 is a 7-cent black stamp issued in 1926-1934 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue. It features a portrait of President William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, who served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. The design is framed by intricate scrollwork, with "United States Postage" inscribed at the top and the denomination "7 Cents" displayed in the lower corners. This issue was primarily used for international postal rates and higher domestic postage fees.

Grading Breakdown:
1. Centering Grade: 79 (Fine-Very Fine)
The stamp is noticeably off-center, with one or two sides significantly closer to the edge.
However, the frameline does not touch the perforations, and some white space remains visible.
Falls within the Fine-Very Fine (F-VF) category under PSE guidelines.

2. Soundness: Faultless
The stamp is unused, hinged, with original gum.
Hinging is evaluated separately for Scott #771 and below, meaning it does not impact the soundness score.
No significant creases, thins, tears, or surface defects.
No soundness deduction applied.

3. Perforations & Margins:
Perforations are intact and well-formed, with no signs of trimming or reperforation.
Margins are uneven, contributing to the centering deduction.

4. Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color & Impression: The black ink is bold and well-printed, maintaining excellent contrast.
Paper Condition: The front appears clean and well-preserved.
Overall Presentation: The design remains fully visible, and the stamp has strong visual appeal.
Eye Appeal Bonus: +2 points (for sharp ink contrast and clear design details).

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Fine-Very Fine Centering: 79
Soundness Deduction: None (Faultless)
Eye Appeal Bonus: +2 points (for strong contrast and sharp design, raising it to 81 - Very Fine (VF))
? Final Assigned Grade: 81 (Very Fine - VF)

Summary:
Scott Number: 639
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine-Very Fine - F-VF)
Soundness: Faultless
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2 points (Sharp contrast and strong design clarity)
Final Numerical Grade: 81 (Very Fine - VF)

? Overall Verdict:
This example of Scott #639 is a well-preserved and visually appealing stamp, though centering issues prevent it from reaching an XF grade. Since hinging is evaluated separately for Scott #771 and below, no deductions are applied for it. The bold black color and sharp design clarity enhance its presentation, warranting a final grade of 81 (Very Fine - VF). It is a strong collectible example with excellent visual appeal.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (671)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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