U. S. Scott #709 - MNH - Graded Fine (SD22-0003-04-06)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

709

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 #709 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Yellow Brown – George Washington, 1932
(Washington Bicentennial Series – 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. It features a bust of George Washington in military uniform within an oval frame. The frame is enclosed by a decorative banner reading “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” at the top and scrollwork at the bottom displaying the denomination “4 CENTS.” The bicentennial years “1732” and “1932” are inscribed in ribbons at the base of the oval. This issue was produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing using the intaglio printing process and is perforated 11 on all four sides.

The example submitted is unused, never hinged, and retains full original gum. Its color and impression are bold, though minor imperfections affect its numerical grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforation holes are clearly free of the design, but the margins are slightly uneven. The left margin is the narrowest, the right margin is the widest, and the bottom margin is narrower than the top. The centering meets the Fine/Very Fine threshold according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows no tears, thins, or creases affecting structural integrity. However, it does have a light ink transfer on the back and a minor natural gum bend. Together, these constitute a Very Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –5 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. All perforations are intact and cleanly punched, with no signs of trimming or reperforation. Margins are slightly uneven, in line with the Fine/Very Fine centering grade.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The yellow brown color remains vibrant, and the engraved impression is sharp. The light ink transfer on the reverse and the gum bend do not detract from its face presentation. No eye appeal adjustment is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72 (Fine)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 709
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (light ink transfer on reverse, minor natural gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact and consistent
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Verdict:
This unused, never hinged example of Scott #709 shows Fine/Very Fine centering and strong color. The light ink transfer on the back and minor gum bend slightly reduce the final numerical grade, resulting in a grade of 72 (Fine) according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (738)

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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