U. S. Scott #709 - MNH - Graded Good (LA01-0034-04-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

709

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

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
(Washington Bicentennial Issue – Engraved, Perf 11, Flat Plate Printing)

Design Overview:
Scott #709 is the 4¢ yellow brown denomination from the 1932 Washington Bicentennial commemorative series. The stamp features an engraved bust of George Washington in military attire, placed within an oval frame. Above the portrait is a curved panel reading “UNITED STATES POSTAGE,” and below is a scroll bearing “WASHINGTON” flanked by the years “1732” and “1932.” The denomination “4” appears in circles at the lower corners. Printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, this flat plate-printed stamp is perforated 11.

This example is unused, never hinged, and retains original gum. While the stamp has respectable centering, its overall condition is impacted by several significant physical issues.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is visibly clear of the perforations on all four sides, with sufficient white space even in the narrowest margin (bottom). The right margin is the widest, providing overall balance. Margins meet or exceed the 0.4mm minimum width required for a Fine/Very Fine centering grade under the 2009 PSE standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has multiple soundness concerns. A large thin or multiple small thins are present on the reverse, which qualifies as a Major Fault. Additionally, several perforation tips are noticeably ragged or short, falling to about half normal length, which constitutes a Fault. A minor natural gum bend, an Extremely Minor Fault, is also visible. According to the PSE Grading Guide, this combination justifies classification as a Major Fault.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides, the stamp has several shorter and fuzzy perforations, particularly along the top and bottom. No evidence of reperforation is visible, but these irregularities impact the structural soundness of the stamp. Margins remain intact and align with the assigned centering grade.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Despite the back faults, the front displays strong color and impression. There is no major face disturbance or ink discoloration, and the faults are mostly confined to the reverse and edges. Therefore, no adjustment is made to the grade based on eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 32
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 32 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 709
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (large thin or multiple thins, short/ragged perfs, gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, several tips fuzzy or shortened
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 32 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #709 has attractive centering and vivid yellow brown color, but its marketability is hindered by significant physical defects including a large thin and damaged perforations. It earns a final grade of 32 (Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (733)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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