U. S. Scott #704 - MNH - Graded Fine (SL01-0001-10-05)

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
(1932 Washington Bicentennial Issue – 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. The design features a portrait of George Washington in an oval frame, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” inscribed across the top and “WASHINGTON” at the bottom, along with the denomination in numerals flanking the frame. The stamp was printed using the engraved method and perforated 11 on all sides.

The example submitted is unused, never hinged, and retains full original gum. It presents strongly from the front with excellent color and impression but exhibits minor production and handling faults that impact the overall grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp’s design is well clear of the perforations on all four sides. The bottom margin is the narrowest, while the top margin is the widest, creating a slight imbalance. The left margin is slightly wider than the right. Margins meet the PSE criteria for Fine/Very Fine centering, but the bottom margin is noticeably narrow relative to the others.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits two flaws: a perf tip crease (classified as a very minor fault) and a minor natural gum bend (classified as an extremely minor fault). According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the combination of these faults qualifies the stamp for a Very Minor Fault soundness classification.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –6 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides as expected for this issue. Aside from the single perf tip crease, all perforations are full and intact, with no evidence of reperforation or trimming. Margins are balanced within the Fine/Very Fine range, though the bottom margin is clearly narrower.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp displays rich olive brown color and strong engraved detail. Paper is clean and fresh, with no discoloration or toning visible. The perf tip crease and natural gum bend are not visually distracting from the front. No deduction or bonus is warranted.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –6 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 704
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (perf tip crease, minor gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact and consistent with the issue
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Verdict:
This unused, never hinged example of Scott #704 exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering, full perforations, and rich color. Minor faults, including a perf tip crease and a small natural gum bend, reduce the numerical grade slightly. The stamp remains an attractive and collectible example, earning a final grade of 72 (Fine) per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (721)

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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