U. S. Scott #642 - MNH - Graded FR/G

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

642

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

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

Design Overview
Scott #642 is the 10¢ orange stamp issued in 1927 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue, showcasing President James Monroe in a fine engraved portrait. The design follows the traditional Bureau format, with an ornate oval frame encasing Monroe’s bust, and bold numerals “10” in each lower corner. The orange hue was a distinctive choice in the set, aimed at creating visual differentiation among denominations.

This example is unused, never hinged, and retains full original gum. The color remains strong and consistent, with good contrast between the design elements and background.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Very Good (59)
The margins are uneven, with the design appearing shifted slightly down and to the left. The perforations come extremely close to the outer framelines, touching or appearing to touch on one or two sides, but not severely cutting in.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 59

Soundness Evaluation
✘ Several shorter perforations are visible—at least three tips appear about half the typical length.
✔ No creases, thins, or tears detected.
✔ Gum is original and never hinged.
? Soundness Category: Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –35
? Adjusted Base Grade: 24

Perforations & Margins
Top and right perforations show greater consistency and spacing than the left and bottom.
Several perforation tips are short or blunted, impacting both visual and structural quality.
Despite these flaws, the stamp remains physically intact and centered enough to retain grading integrity.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Bright orange color is vivid and consistent.
Overall Appearance Despite centering and perf faults, the design remains recognizable.
Distractions Shorter perforations are visually apparent but not severely distracting.
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
(No further deduction warranted—centering already limits impact.)

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Value
Centering Grade 59
Soundness Deduction –35
Eye Appeal Adjustment 0
Final Grade 24

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 642
Issue 1927 Fourth Bureau Issue
Denomination 10¢
Subject James Monroe
Condition Unused, Never Hinged
Centering Very Good (59)
Soundness Fault – Short Perfs
Eye Appeal Average (0 Adjustment)
Final Grade 24 (Fair/Good – F/G)

? Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #642 is structurally intact with strong color, but its multiple short perforations and very tight centering bring its numerical grade to 24. While it falls in the Fair/Good category, it may still hold interest for collectors seeking a representative of the 10¢ Monroe issue at an entry-level grade.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (894)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions