U. S. Scott #641 - Used - Graded Good

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

641

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #641 (Used, NG, NH – Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #641 is a 9¢ red-orange stamp depicting Thomas Jefferson, issued in 1927 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue. This definitive issue reflects the classical engraved portrait style popular in early 20th-century U.S. stamps, showcasing Jefferson's likeness in an oval frame surrounded by ornamental scrollwork and flanked by bold denomination numerals in the lower corners. The color is a rich red-orange, designed to stand out among the series' lower denominations.

This example is used, never hinged, and without original gum, showing a black corner cancellation with visible ink bleed on the back.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Very Good (52)
All perforations are intact, but the bottom left perforations slightly touch or nearly touch the outer frameline.
Margins are uneven, and the design leans downward and to the left.
The design is not significantly encroached but lacks margin balance for Fine.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 52

Soundness Evaluation
The stamp exhibits a light cancellation bleed-through visible on the reverse.
No creases, thins, or tears are apparent.
All perforations are intact.
? Soundness Category: Very Minor Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –10
? Adjusted Base Grade: 42 (Centering 52 – 10 for soundness)

Perforations & Margins
Perforations are complete and generally regular.
Left and bottom margins are narrow, with the lower-left perforations close to or slightly touching the frameline.
Top and right margins are wider and show clear white space.

Cancellation Classification
The black cancel is heavy in the lower-left corner, forming an arc that extends partially across Jefferson’s portrait.
It does not obscure the central facial features.
Bleed-through is light and limited to the lower back edge.
? Cancellation Grade: Heavy
? Eye Appeal Deduction for Cancel: –5

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Color is strong for a used stamp. Sharp lines and contrast.
Overall Appearance Bold cancel, but not facially disfiguring.
Distractions Ink bleed-through visible on reverse; minor visual impact.
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Value
Centering Grade 52
Soundness Deduction –10
Subtotal 42
Eye Appeal Adjustment –5
Final Grade 37

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 641
Issue 1927 Fourth Bureau Issue
Denomination 9¢
Subject Thomas Jefferson
Condition Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering Very Good (52)
Soundness Very Minor Fault
Eye Appeal Slightly Distracted (–5)
Final Grade 37 (Good – G)

? Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #641 is clean overall, but the slightly off-center design, light ink bleed-through, and heavy cancellation reduce the numerical grade to 37, placing it in the Good (G) category. Still collectible, this stamp retains a crisp impression and would suit a space-filler or secondary collection.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (571)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions