U. S. Scott #644 - Unused - Graded G/VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

644

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #644 (Unused, Hinged OG – Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #644 is a 2¢ carmine-red commemorative stamp issued in 1927 to mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Saratoga, one of the pivotal moments in the American Revolutionary War. The central design features "The Surrender of General Burgoyne", depicting the moment when British forces capitulated to the American army. The design is framed with ornate scrollwork and banners that include the inscriptions “1777”, “1927”, “Saratoga”, and “U.S. Postage”, anchoring the stamp’s historical and national symbolism.

This example is unused, with original gum and previously hinged as indicated by the disturbance in the center of the gum on the reverse.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (78)
The design is positioned with margins slightly narrower on the left and bottom than the right and top. However, all perforations are comfortably clear of the design, and the layout falls within the expected limits for the F/VF classification.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 78

Soundness Evaluation
⚠️ Several shorter perforations (about half the normal length) are visible, especially along the top.
⚠️ Light red ink transfer is present on the back, likely from storage contact or a printing offset.
❌ No tears, thins, or creases were detected.
? Soundness Category: Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –30
? Adjusted Base Grade: 48 (Centering 78 – 30 for faults)

Perforations & Margins
Perforations are mostly complete and well-formed except for the shorter tips along the top.
Margins show white space around all sides of the design, but left and bottom are tighter.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Bold carmine-red ink, well-engraved lines
Overall Appearance Strong impression and symmetry
Distractions Ink transfer on back does not affect front view
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1
Justified for vibrant color, crisp engraving, and no front-side distractions.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Centering Grade 78
Soundness Deduction –30
Subtotal 48
Eye Appeal Bonus +1
Final Grade 49

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 644
Issue 1927 Battle of Saratoga Issue
Denomination 2¢
Subject Surrender of General Burgoyne
Condition Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (78)
Soundness Fault – Short perfs, ink transfer
Eye Appeal Slightly Above Average (+1)
Final Grade 49 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

? Final Verdict:
While visually appealing from the front with rich color and clean design registration, the short perfs and ink transfer reduce this example’s technical score. However, its solid centering and preserved gum make it a worthwhile collectible, earning it a final grade of 49 — placing it at the top of the Good/Very Good tier.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (570)

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