U. S. Scott #712 - Unused - Graded Good (NA01-0117-03-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

712

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1932

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #712 (Unused, Hinged – Single Stamp)
7¢ Black – George Washington, 1932
(Washington Bicentennial Series – Engraved, Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #712 is a 7¢ black engraved stamp issued in 1932 as part of the Washington Bicentennial series. The design features a bust of George Washington in Continental Army uniform, based on a portrait by Charles Willson Peale. An intricate frame surrounds the image, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” above, “WASHINGTON” below flanked by “1732” and “1932,” and the denomination “7 CENTS 7” at the bottom. The stamp was produced using flat plate printing on unwatermarked paper and is perforated 11 on all four sides.

The submitted example is unused with original gum and shows evidence of hinging. While complete and well-printed, the stamp exhibits moderate centering issues and a few minor faults that reduce its overall grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 55 (Very Good)
The design is very close to the perforation holes, especially on the left side where the frameline appears to nearly touch or just slightly be clipped. The top margin is also quite narrow, while the right and bottom margins are wider, with the right side being the most generous. The imbalance and proximity of the design to the perforations clearly place this within the “Very Good” centering range as defined by the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp displays three minor faults: a hinge remnant and a perf tip crease (both very minor faults), and a faint natural gum bend (an extremely minor fault). Combined, these constitute a Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –25 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all four sides, with all perforations intact. One or more perforation tips show slight creasing, and the overall appearance is slightly compromised due to the narrow left and top margins. However, there is no evidence of reperforation or trimming.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp maintains sharp engraving, a rich black ink tone, and a clean front surface. While the tight margins affect balance, the faults are not readily visible without magnification and do not detract significantly from visual appeal. No further deduction is warranted.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 55 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –25 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 30
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 30 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 712
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 55 (Very Good)
Soundness: Minor Fault (perf tip crease, hinge remnant, gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, full but affected slightly by creasing
Eye Appeal: No deduction or bonus applied
Final Grade: 30 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged example of Scott #712 is structurally sound with a clear design and strong printing. However, tight margins and multiple minor flaws limit its numerical grade, resulting in a final score of 30 (Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (714)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions