U. S. Scott #685 - Used - Graded FR/G (LA01-0033-03-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

685

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1930

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #585 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Brown – William H. Taft, 1925
(Series of 1922–1925 – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 10, Single-Line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #585 is a 4¢ brown definitive stamp from the 1922–1925 Regular Issue series. It features a finely engraved, right-facing portrait of President William H. Taft within an oval frame surrounded by classical scrollwork and a rectangular border. The text “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” appears at the top, while the denomination “4 CENTS 4” is displayed at the bottom. This issue was printed using the flat plate method on single-line watermarked paper and is perforated 10 on all sides.

The submitted example is postally used, has been hinged, and lacks original gum. Several very minor and extremely minor faults are present on the reverse, and the stamp bears a heavy black cancel across the upper portion of the design.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 52 (Very Good)
The stamp’s margins are uneven. The left margin is the most generous, followed by the top. The right margin is the narrowest, and the bottom is also tight. The perforations at the right side appear to just touch or nearly touch the design, consistent with Very Good centering per the PSE Grading Guide, which allows for slight impingement of the design when margins fall between 0.1mm and –0.1mm.

Soundness Evaluation:
The reverse of the stamp displays a hinge remnant (very minor fault), two corner perforation tip creases (extremely minor faults), and pencil writing on the back (extremely minor fault). This combination qualifies for a Minor Fault classification, which results in a 20-point deduction from the base centering grade.

Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 10 on all sides, as expected for Scott #585. Perforations are full and intact, with no evidence of trimming or reperforation. Slight creasing is present at two corner tips, but none are missing or severely bent. Margins are tight but conform to the assigned centering grade.

Cancellation Classification:
A strong black multi-line cancel crosses horizontally through the upper third of the design, affecting both the portrait of Taft and the “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” inscription. This cancel obscures important visual elements and qualifies as a Heavy Cancel, warranting a –5 point deduction in accordance with the PSE’s eye appeal scale.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 52 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –20
Adjusted Base Grade: 32
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 27 (Fair/Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 585
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 52 (Very Good)
Soundness: Minor Fault (hinge remnant, corner perf tip creases, pencil writing)
Perforations: Perf 10, full and intact with minor tip creases
Cancellation: Heavy multi-line cancel obscuring portrait and top inscription
Final Grade: 27 (Fair/Good)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #585 presents tight centering with moderate design impingement, clean perforations, and a number of minor faults on the reverse. A heavy black cancel obscures key portions of the design, resulting in a final grade of 27 (Fair/Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (714)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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