U. S. Scott #709 - Unused - Graded VG (NA01-0117-02-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

709

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1932

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #709 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Yellow Brown – George Washington, 1932
(Washington Bicentennial Series – Engraved, Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #709 is a 4¢ yellow brown engraved stamp issued in 1932 as part of the Washington Bicentennial series. The stamp features a portrait of a youthful George Washington in colonial uniform, based on the painting by Charles Willson Peale. The design includes an ornate frame with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” above the portrait, “WASHINGTON” with the birth and bicentennial dates “1732” and “1932” below, and the denomination “4 CENTS 4” at the bottom. The issue was flat plate printed on unwatermarked paper and perforated 11 on all four sides.

The submitted example is unused with full original gum and has been previously hinged. The stamp displays solid centering and an attractive front presentation, but minor condition issues are visible upon close inspection.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering, with all four margins visibly clear of the design. The bottom margin is the most narrow, followed by the left; the top margin is the widest, with the right margin slightly wider than the left. While not perfectly balanced, the design remains well clear of the perforation holes on all sides, consistent with the 2009 PSE Grading Guide standards for a Fine/Very Fine centering grade.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp has three faults. A hinge remnant constitutes a very minor fault. Five shorter perforations—each about half normal length—are categorized as extremely minor faults. Additionally, a light natural gum bend is visible, also qualifying as an extremely minor fault. According to the PSE grading table, this combination (one very minor fault plus two extremely minor faults) qualifies as a Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is correctly perforated 11 on all four sides. Five perforations, distributed mostly along the top and bottom, are slightly shorter or fuzzier than standard length but remain fully intact. There is no indication of reperforation or trimming. The margins meet the Fine/Very Fine threshold, with the bottom edge being the tightest and the top the most generous.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp presents a clean face with strong yellow brown ink and good impression. The shorter perforations are noticeable but minor. As these faults do not significantly detract from the overall visual appeal, no additional eye appeal deduction is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 709
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (hinge remnant, five short perfs, minor gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, consistent, several shorter but intact
Eye Appeal: No adjustment necessary
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged example of Scott #709 has pleasing centering and retains a strong design impression. While multiple small faults limit the numerical grade, it remains a desirable representative of the Washington Bicentennial series and receives a final grade of 57 (Very Good) in accordance with the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (711)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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