U. S. Scott #704 - MH - Graded G/VG (NA01-0117-01-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

704

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1932

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #704 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
½¢ Olive Brown – George Washington, 1932
(Washington Bicentennial Series – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #704 is the ½¢ denomination from the 1932 Washington Bicentennial series, commemorating the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. The design features a youthful bust of Washington based on the Jean-Antoine Houdon sculpture, set in a formal neoclassical oval with laurel embellishments and “1732–1932” dates at the base. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” appears at the top, and “½ CENT ½” is inscribed in the lower corners. The stamp was flat plate printed on unwatermarked paper and is perforated 11 on all sides.

This example is unused with original gum and shows clear signs of hinging. Though it displays rich color and sharp engraving, multiple faults affect its technical grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is well clear of the perforation holes on all sides. The left margin is the narrowest, and the top margin is the widest. The bottom margin is narrower than the right. This overall layout meets the requirements for Fine/Very Fine centering, as defined in the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits several shorter or ragged perforations, especially on the top and left edges. A hinge remnant is still attached on the reverse, and a minor natural gum bend is present. This combination—one clear Fault and two lesser flaws—places the stamp in the Fault category.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11, with several noticeably fuzzy or shortened tips. Despite these issues, the perforations remain intact and unaltered. The margins are unbalanced but adequate for the grade.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp displays vibrant olive-brown coloration and strong design clarity. The faults are mostly confined to the edges and reverse, with no major detriment to front-facing appearance. No additional eye appeal deduction or bonus is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 47
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 47 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 704
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (ragged/short perfs, hinge remnant, gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, with several irregular tips
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 47 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged example of Scott #704 offers a pleasing presentation with solid centering and rich color. However, the presence of multiple edge faults and a hinge remnant lower the technical grade to 47 (Good/Very Good) in accordance with the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. It remains a collectible example for general or commemorative series collectors.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (880)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions