U. S. Scott #699 - Used - Graded Fine

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

699

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1931

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #699 (Used, NG – Single Stamp)
Niagara Falls – 25¢ Yellow Green, 1923 Regular Issue

Design Overview
Scott #699 features an engraved image of the iconic Niagara Falls, showing the Horseshoe Falls as seen from the Canadian side. The scene is framed by a classical border design, with the denomination "25 CENTS" in white numerals on dark green ovals at the lower corners. The word “NIAGARA” appears on a scroll below the central vignette.

This example is used, never hinged, and has no original gum remaining. A faint cancellation is visible on the face, with slight bleed-through on the back.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (76)
Top and bottom margins are moderately generous.
The left margin is slightly narrower than ideal but still clear of the design.
Right margin is full.
Overall appearance aligns with the Fine/Very Fine standard. ? Assigned Centering Grade: 76

Soundness Evaluation
No thins, creases, tears, or paper abrasions noted.
Back shows light cancel bleed-through, not visible on the face.
All perforations are intact and well-formed.
Color and printing are unaffected. ? Soundness Category: Very Minor Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –5
? Adjusted Base Grade: 71

Perforations & Margins
Perforations: Even and complete on all sides.
Margins:
Top: Medium
Bottom: Medium
Left: Slightly narrow, but clearly outside the design.
Right: Full white space.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Strong green ink, high contrast, crisp engraving
Cancellation Light and unobtrusive; minimal impact on design visibility
Back Appearance Slight bleed-through, but not distracting from the front
Overall Impression Fresh, vibrant appearance with clean, sound paper
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Centering) 76
Soundness Deduction –5
Subtotal 71
Eye Appeal Adjustment +1
Final Grade 72 ✅

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 699
Condition Used, No Gum (NG)
Gum None (standard for used stamps)
Centering Fine/Very Fine (76)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (cancel bleed-through)
Eye Appeal Strong green color, light cancel
Final Grade 72 (Fine)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #699 is a clean and well-preserved used example of the Niagara Falls 25¢ definitive. With Fine/Very Fine centering, very light cancel, and only a very minor fault (cancel bleed-through), it earns a solid Fine grade of 72. A visually appealing addition for collectors of early 20th-century scenic U.S. issues.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (630)

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