U. S. Scott #701 - Used - Graded VG (LA01-0034-02-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

701

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1931

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #701 (Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
50¢ Violet – Arlington Amphitheatre, 1931
(Regular Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #701 was issued in 1931 as part of the regular definitive series. The design features the Arlington Amphitheatre in Arlington National Cemetery, a neoclassical structure built to honor fallen American service members. The image is framed in ornate scrolls, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” at the top and the denomination “50” in each lower corner. This example is postally used, never hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F-VF)
Margins are balanced but slightly uneven, with the bottom margin the narrowest, the right the widest, and the left narrower than the top. All perforations remain clear of the design, supporting the Fine/Very Fine centering classification.

Soundness Evaluation:
Very Minor Fault: Corner perf crease
Very Minor Fault: Perf tip crease
The presence of two very minor faults places the stamp in the “Minor Fault” category under the 2009 PSE Soundness Table.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all four sides, as issued. Perforations are intact and original, with the only irregularities being the creased tips already noted. Margins confirm the F-VF centering.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black circular cancel over the vignette. The strike is heavy enough to obscure part of the central building and inscriptions, but much of the design remains visible. This qualifies as a heavy cancel under PSE guidelines.

Collector’s Note:
Lighter, well-placed cancels are preferred for this issue. The strike here intrudes into the design but leaves denomination and framing elements recognizable.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
While the violet color remains strong, the cancel’s placement reduces the overall visual impact.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault classification)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 (Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 52 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 701
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (corner perf crease, perf tip crease)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact with minor tip creases
Cancellation: Heavy circular cancel partially obscuring design
Eye Appeal: –5 deduction for cancel placement and severity
Final Grade: 52 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
Despite Fine/Very Fine centering, the combination of two very minor faults and a heavy cancel reduces this Scott #701 to a final grade of 52 (Very Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. It remains collectible but not a premium-quality example of the issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (827)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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