U. S. Scott #708 - MH - Graded FR/G (NA01-0117-01-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

708

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1932

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #708 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Purple – George Washington, 1932
(Washington Bicentennial Series – Engraved, Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #708 is a 3¢ purple engraved commemorative stamp from the 1932 Washington Bicentennial series. It depicts George Washington in Revolutionary War-era uniform with a tricorne hat, rendered in fine line engraving. The design includes “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” at the top, “WASHINGTON” with the dates “1732” and “1932” on either side below the portrait, and the denomination “3 CENTS 3” at the bottom. It was printed via flat plate on unwatermarked paper and perforated 11 on all sides.

The example submitted is unused, with full original gum and evidence of previous hinging. While the stamp retains strong visual integrity, a combination of faults reduces its grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The centering meets the PSE standard for a Fine grade. The design is close to the perforation holes, particularly along the left and bottom edges, yet maintains visible white space on all four sides. The left margin is the tightest, followed by the bottom, with the right and top margins wider—the top being the most generous. These proportions are consistent with Fine centering, with all margins remaining outside the design frame.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits several faults: ragged, fuzzy, and shortened perforations on multiple sides (about half normal length), multiple perf tip creases, a hinge remnant, and a minor natural gum bend. This combination, per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, constitutes a “Fault” classification due to the presence of one major and multiple minor or very minor issues.
Soundness Deduction: –40 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all four sides, the stamp shows general perforation integrity but with several visibly fuzzy or shortened tips, especially along the top and left sides. There are no signs of trimming or reperforation. The margins are proportionally aligned with the design frame and consistent with Fine centering standards.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The design remains well printed, and the purple ink is still bold and even. However, the ragged appearance of the perforations is noticeable from the front and slightly detracts from the stamp’s presentation. While the gum issues are confined to the reverse, the visible perf damage warrants a modest deduction to eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –40 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 30
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 25 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 708
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 70 (Fine)
Soundness: Fault (ragged perfs, perf tip creases, hinge remnant, gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact but visibly worn
Eye Appeal: –5 point deduction for visible perf degradation
Final Grade: 25 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged example of Scott #708 retains its historical and visual character, but multiple condition issues—particularly degraded perforations—significantly impact the overall grade. Based on the 2009 PSE Grading Guide criteria, the final grade is 25 (Fair/Good).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (864)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions