U. S. Scott #712 - Unused - Graded VG (LA01-0034-04-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

712

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

Design Overview:
Scott #712 is the 7¢ black stamp from the 1932 Washington Bicentennial commemorative series. The central design features an engraved portrait of George Washington in a military coat and neck stock, housed in an oval frame. The inscription “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” is prominently displayed at the top, and “WASHINGTON” is placed within a scroll beneath the portrait, flanked by the commemorative years “1732” and “1932.” The denomination “7 CENTS” is presented in circular medallions at each lower corner. The stamp was printed using the flat plate method by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and is perforated 11.

This example is unused, previously hinged, and retains original gum. The stamp is visually appealing, with strong impression and color, but carries a few minor physical faults.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is well clear of all perforation holes. The left margin is the narrowest but still exceeds the minimum margin requirement of approximately 0.4mm. The right margin is the widest, and the top margin is also broader than the bottom, lending a balanced appearance consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering standards. The stamp earns a centering grade of 76.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits a few minor flaws. Three perforation tips are shorter than normal but still exceed half-length (Extremely Minor Faults), a light perf tip crease is visible (Very Minor Fault), and there is a minor natural gum bend on the reverse (Extremely Minor Fault). According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the combination of multiple very minor and extremely minor faults qualifies the stamp for a Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides. Perforation tips are complete aside from three that are slightly short. There is no evidence of trimming, separation, or reperforation. Margins are well defined and support the centering grade.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp has crisp, dark black printing and a strong engraving impression. None of the physical faults are visible from the front, and the stamp presents well visually. Therefore, no eye appeal deduction or bonus is warranted.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 56
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 56 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 712
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (shorter perfs, perf tip crease, gum bend)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact with a few minor irregularities
Eye Appeal: No adjustment applied
Final Grade: 56 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #712 stamp from the Washington Bicentennial issue presents well with strong centering and impression. However, the presence of multiple minor physical faults—especially along the perforations—warrants a soundness deduction, resulting in a final grade of 56 (Very Good) per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (721)

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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