U. S. Scott #719 - Used [LA01-0035-01-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

719

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1932

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #719 (Used, Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – Discus Thrower, 1932
(1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #719 was issued in 1932 to commemorate the Summer Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, the first Olympics hosted in the United States in the 20th century. The design features a classical representation of a discus thrower in mid-motion, derived from the ancient Greek statue “Discobolus.” The vignette is set within a large oval, with the inscription “OLYMPIAD LOS ANGELES 1932” surrounding the frame. The denomination “5 CENTS” is displayed at the lower corners and bottom margin, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” inscribed at the top. This example is postally used, has been hinged, and retains no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The design is balanced within the frame, with all perforations clear of the vignette. The right margin is the narrowest, followed by the left, while the top margin is the widest. Margins meet the PSE definition for Fine/Very Fine centering: visibly clear perforations with one or two sides slightly narrow.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits the following faults:
Severe Fault: Multiple thins present on the reverse
Minor Fault: Small corner crease, visible under magnification
These faults collectively classify the stamp under Severe Faults according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –55 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. Perforations are intact, though slightly uneven at points. Margins are full but unevenly distributed, in keeping with the assigned Fine/Very Fine centering grade.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black circular cancel across the center of the vignette. The cancel strikes through the discus thrower’s torso and arm, partially obscuring the figure but leaving inscriptions legible. Under PSE guidelines, this cancel qualifies as Heavy, since it disrupts the focal point of the design.

Collector’s Note:
Olympic commemoratives remain popular with topical collectors, though lighter cancels are far more desirable. The heavy cancel on this copy significantly reduces visual appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points
The heavy cancel across the central design, combined with back faults, reduces overall presentation despite strong original blue color.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –55 (Severe Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 24 (Fair/Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10
Final Grade: 14 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 719
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Severe Fault (multiple thins, small corner crease)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact, slightly uneven
Cancellation: Heavy cancel, obscuring central vignette
Eye Appeal: –10 point deduction due to cancel placement and back faults
Final Grade: 14 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #719 shows Fine/Very Fine centering but is heavily compromised by multiple thins, a corner crease, and a heavy cancel obscuring the design. These factors reduce its grade to Fair (14). It remains a space-filler for collectors of Olympic commemoratives under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (896)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions