U. S. Scott #687 Pair - MNH - Graded VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

687

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Pair

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1930

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #687 (Unused Pair, Never Hinged, Original Gum)
4¢ Brown – William H. Taft, 1930
(U.S. Presidential Series – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview
Scott #687 features a left-facing bust of President William H. Taft in an ornate oval frame, flanked by scrollwork panels and large “4” numerals denoting denomination. Part of the 1930 definitive series, this issue was printed using the flat plate method and is perforated gauge 11. The example under review is an unused horizontal pair, never hinged, and retains full original gum.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (77)
Both stamps in the pair have perforations that are visibly clear of the design. The right outer margin is the tightest, while the bottom is the widest. The left and top margins are moderately balanced. The vertical perforations separating the two stamps are well aligned and spaced evenly. This configuration meets the Fine/Very Fine centering standard under PSE grading guidelines.

Soundness Evaluation
A large natural paper inclusion is present on the reverse of the left stamp. This is a legitimate production flaw—not a post-issue defect—and is classified as a Minor Fault under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. No other faults are observed.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins
Perforated 11 on all sides, including between the stamps. All perforation tips are full and intact. No trimming, nibbing, or separation damage is present. Margins are generally well proportioned, with only the right side slightly tight.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
From the front, the pair displays rich color and a crisp impression of the engraved image. Paper freshness and tonal uniformity are strong. The inclusion on the reverse is not visible from the front and does not impair eye appeal. The gum is even and undisturbed, consistent with its never hinged condition. No offset, oxidation, or staining is visible. The pair qualifies as having neutral eye appeal, and no deduction or bonus is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Centering Grade: 77
Soundness Deduction: –20
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary
Scott Number: 687
Condition: Unused Horizontal Pair, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: Fine/Very Fine (77)
Soundness: Minor Fault (large natural paper inclusion on reverse)
Perforations: Perf 11, well aligned, fully intact, no trimming or separation issues
Eye Appeal: Strong color, clean gum, no deduction
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict
This unused, never hinged pair of Scott #687 offers strong visual presentation with clear centering and vibrant color. The only fault—an inclusion on the back—has no impact on face appeal but reduces the soundness rating. Perforations are well executed and undamaged. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final grade is 57 (Very Good).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (721)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions