U. S. Scott #709 - MNH - Graded Fair (SL01-0002-01-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

709

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1932

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #709 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Yellow Brown – George Washington, 1932
(1932 Washington Bicentennial Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #709 is a 4¢ yellow brown engraved stamp issued in 1932 as part of the Washington Bicentennial series. The design features a three-quarter portrait of George Washington in military uniform, encased in an oval frame with decorative elements. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” at the top, “WASHINGTON” at the bottom, and the denomination in numerals in the lower corners. This stamp was printed using the engraved intaglio process and is perforated 11 on all sides.

The example submitted is unused, never hinged, and retains full original gum. It presents reasonable color and impression but suffers from centering issues and multiple serious faults.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 56 (Very Good)
The perforations touch or slightly cut into the design on the left side and approach the design closely on other sides. The left margin is the narrowest, while the right is the widest. Vertically, the top margin is narrower than the bottom. These characteristics place the centering squarely in the Very Good range.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp shows multiple faults, including multiple thins (severe fault), several ragged, fuzzy, or shorter perforations (minor fault), and a minor natural gum bend (extremely minor fault). According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, these issues classify the stamp in the Severe Fault category.
Soundness Classification: Severe Fault
Soundness Deduction: –41 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides as expected for the issue. Several perforations are shorter or ragged, and the perforations on the left touch or slightly cut into the design.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp retains fair color and impression, but the severe faults (especially the thins) significantly diminish overall visual quality. No adjustment for eye appeal is applied beyond the deduction already taken for soundness.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 56 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –41 (Severe Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 15
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 15 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 709
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 56 (Very Good)
Soundness: Severe Fault (multiple thins, ragged perforations, minor gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, with several shorter or ragged tips
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 15 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This unused, never hinged example of Scott #709 shows Very Good centering but is heavily compromised by severe faults, including multiple thins and defective perforations. These serious issues reduce the stamp’s final grade to 15 (Fair) according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1003)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions