U. S. Scott #706 - MNH - Graded Fine (NA01-0117-01-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

706

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 #706 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
1½¢ Brown – George Washington, 1932
(Washington Bicentennial Series – Engraved Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #706 is a 1½¢ brown engraved stamp issued in 1932 as part of the Washington Bicentennial series. It depicts a bust of George Washington in military uniform, wearing a tricorn hat, framed by vertical columns with an arched inscription reading “UNITED STATES POSTAGE.” The bicentennial years “1732” and “1932” flank Washington’s name at the bottom of the oval, with the denomination “1½ CENTS” beneath. The stamp was produced using the intaglio printing process by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and is perforated 11 on all four sides.

The example submitted is unused, never hinged, and retains full original gum. It exhibits strong color and detail with no handling defects beyond those noted below.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforation holes are clear of the design on all four sides, though the margins are somewhat uneven. The right margin is the narrowest, while the top margin is the widest. The bottom margin is slightly narrower than the left. All margins meet the Fine/Very Fine centering threshold as defined by the 2009 PSE standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is free from tears, thins, creases, or stains, and the perforations are intact. However, it exhibits a minor natural gum bend on the reverse, which is considered 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, consistent with the issue. All perforations are full and untrimmed with no signs of reperforation. The margins, while balanced enough to achieve Fine/Very Fine centering, show minor unevenness that prevents a higher centering grade.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The brown color remains strong and the impression sharp, with no distracting blemishes visible from the front. The natural gum bend on the reverse does not affect the stamp’s face. 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: 706
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 #706 displays Fine/Very Fine centering with intact perforations and vivid color. The minor natural gum bend on the reverse slightly lowers the grade, resulting in a final numerical grade of 74 (Fine) in accordance with the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (850)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions