U. S. Scott #641 - Used [SD22-0002-08-04]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

641

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #641 (Used – Single Stamp)
9¢ Red-Orange – Thomas Jefferson, 1927
(Fourth Bureau Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #641 is the 9¢ red-orange stamp issued in 1927 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue. It features a finely engraved portrait of Thomas Jefferson framed within an oval, surrounded by ornate scrollwork. The inscription “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” appears at the top, while the bold “9 CENTS” denomination is displayed prominently in the lower corners. The vivid color and crisp engraved lines reflect the strong aesthetic standards of U.S. definitive stamps of the 1920s.

The example submitted is used, shows no gum, and bears a bold black segmented cancellation across the lower left portion of the design.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp is well centered with all margins showing clear white space between the perforations and the design. The top and left margins are slightly narrower than the right and bottom, but none intrude on the design, meeting the criteria for Fine/Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is free of tears, thins, and creases. All perforations are full and evenly punched. As expected for a used stamp, there are no hinge marks and no gum is present.
Soundness Classification: Faultless
Soundness Deduction: 0 points
Adjusted Base Grade: 79

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations are fully intact and evenly punched on all sides. Margins are balanced and proportionate, providing clear separation from the design.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp exhibits a bright red-orange hue with strong engraved detail. However, the very heavy segmented black cancellation across the lower-left quadrant significantly dominates the visual field, although the design remains legible. Per the 2009 PSE Eye Appeal Guide, a heavy cancel of this prominence warrants a –15 point deduction.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: 0 (Faultless)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 (very heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 64 (Very Good–Fine – VG/F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 641
Condition: Used, No Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Faultless
Perforations: Fully intact and even
Eye Appeal: Very heavy cancel detracts from design
Final Grade: 64 (Very Good–Fine – VG/F)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #641 has solid fundamentals with sharp engraving, vivid red-orange color, and faultless soundness. Its Fine/Very Fine centering is strong for the issue. However, the very heavy segmented black cancel detracts from overall presentation and reduces its numerical grade to 64 (Very Good–Fine). It remains a sound, collectible used example with a bold cancel for those seeking a visually striking stamp.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (895)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions