U. S. Scott #642 - MNH - Graded Fine

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

642

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #642 (Unused, NH OG – Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #642 is a 10¢ yellow-orange stamp featuring a portrait of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. It was issued in 1927 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue series, known for its elegant engraved portraits and symmetrical layout. The stamp features Monroe’s portrait in an oval frame, surrounded by intricate scrollwork and the denomination placed prominently in both lower corners.

This example is unused, never hinged, and shows full original gum on the back.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (76)
The stamp has ample white space around the design, but margins are not entirely balanced.
Top and left margins are narrower than the bottom and right.
Design placement clears all perforation holes but leans slightly off-center.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 76

Soundness Evaluation
❗ Three shorter perforations (about half normal length) are visible along the top edge.
✔ No tears, thins, or heavy creases appear on either the front or back.
✔ The gum is full and clean.
✔ No signs of discoloration, gum skips, or paper inclusions.
? Soundness Category: Very Minor Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –5
? Adjusted Base Grade: 71

Perforations & Margins
Perforations are intact, but three are visibly short, primarily along the top edge.
All four margins clear the design.
Though tight at the top, none of the perforations cut into the frameline.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Bold yellow-orange tone; sharp and fresh printing impression
Overall Appearance Visually pleasing despite off-center positioning
Distractions Slight impact from the short perforations, but not highly distracting visually
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
(No major distractions; color and contrast support a clean presentation.)

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Value
Centering Grade 76
Soundness Deduction –5
Subtotal 71
Eye Appeal Adjustment +0
Final Grade 71

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 642
Issue 1927 Fourth Bureau Issue
Denomination 10¢
Subject James Monroe
Condition Unused, Never Hinged
Centering Fine/Very Fine (76)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (3 short perfs)
Eye Appeal Neutral
Final Grade 71 (Fine)

? Final Verdict:
This is a clean and bright example of Scott #642, with strong color, full gum, and a balanced, albeit slightly tight, centering. The short perforations result in a deduction but do not heavily impact overall visual appeal. With a final grade of 71, this stamp resides solidly within the Fine (F) category, making it a collectible piece suitable for most Bureau Issue collections.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (630)

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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