U. S. Scott #708 - Used - Graded Fair (LA01-0034-04-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

708

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1932

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #708 (Used, Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
3¢ Violet – George Washington, 1932
(Washington Bicentennial Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #708 was issued in 1932 as part of the Washington Bicentennial series, celebrating the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. The design features a finely engraved vignette of a young Washington in colonial attire, flanked by the dates 1732 and 1932. “U.S. POSTAGE” is inscribed above, with the denomination “3 CENTS” appearing in numerals at the lower corners and spelled out below the portrait. Printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, it is perforated 11 and produced through flat plate printing. This example is postally used, has been hinged, and retains no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The perforations are visibly clear of the design on all sides, with margins that are somewhat uneven. The bottom margin is the narrowest, the right side is narrower than the top, and the left is the most generous. This balance of margins meets the criteria for Fine/Very Fine centering per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
This example exhibits the following faults:
Major Fault: Large thin on the reverse
Fault: Small tear (about 1 mm) or two tiny tears
Extremely Minor Fault: Residual paper adhering to the back from hinging
These faults collectively constitute a Major Fault classification under the 2009 PSE Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. Perforations are intact but show uneven wear. Margins are narrow to average, in line with the assigned centering grade. There are no indications of reperforation or trimming.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a heavy black cancel reading “CHICAGO, ILL.” across the portrait. The placement obscures Washington’s face, hat, and parts of the surrounding frame. Under the 2009 PSE guidelines, this qualifies as a Very Heavy cancel, detracting significantly from the clarity of the design.

Collector’s Note:
While Chicago cancellations are common on this issue, this example’s cancel is too heavy to add collector value. A lighter strike would have enhanced desirability, but this cancel obscures the central vignette.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points
The heavy cancel and the visibility of the large thin on the back detract from the stamp’s overall presentation. Color remains strong, but overall eye appeal is diminished.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 33 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15
Final Grade: 18 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 708
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (large thin, small tear, paper residue)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact but uneven
Cancellation: Very Heavy, obscuring portrait and inscriptions
Eye Appeal: –15 point deduction due to cancel and back flaws
Final Grade: 18 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #708 shows Fine/Very Fine centering but suffers from a large thin, a small tear, and a very heavy Chicago cancellation that obscures much of the design. These factors substantially lower its grade to Fair (18). It remains a collectible example of the issue under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (863)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions