U. S. Scott #704 - MNH - Graded Fine (SD22-0003-04-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

704

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1932

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #704 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
½¢ Olive Brown – George Washington, 1932
(Washington Bicentennial Series – Engraved Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #704 is a ½¢ olive-brown engraved stamp issued in 1932 as part of the Washington Bicentennial series. It depicts a right-facing portrait of George Washington in military uniform, framed by a decorative oval flanked by laurel leaves. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” arcs across the top, and “½ CENT ½” is inscribed at the bottom. The stamp was printed using the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s engraved intaglio process and is perforated 11 on all sides.

The submitted example is unused, never hinged, and retains full original gum. It presents sharply from the front with solid impression and balanced color but shows a small production-related imperfection on the reverse.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforation holes are well clear of the design on all sides, but the right margin is notably the narrowest, while the bottom margin is the most generous. The top margin is slightly wider than the left. All four margins meet the Fine/Very Fine threshold under the 2009 PSE centering scale.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp has no tears, thins, or creases and retains intact perforations. It has one production-related fault, a minor natural gum bend on the reverse. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this qualifies as an extremely minor fault.
Soundness Classification: Extremely Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –5 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all four sides, as expected for this issue. All perforations are cleanly punched and fully intact with no evidence of trimming, clipping, or reperforation. The margins, while full and clear, are slightly uneven, in line with the Fine/Very Fine centering grade.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The olive-brown color remains fresh and consistent, and the engraved impression is sharp. The minor gum bend on the reverse is not visible from the front and does not detract from its appearance. No eye appeal adjustment is warranted.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Extremely Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 74 (Fine)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 74 (Fine – F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 704
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Extremely Minor Fault (minor natural gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact and consistent
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 74 (Fine – F)

Final Verdict:
This unused, never hinged example of Scott #704 displays Fine/Very Fine centering with intact perforations and bright color. A minor natural gum bend reduces the grade slightly, resulting in a final numerical grade of 74 (Fine) per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (732)

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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