U. S. Scott #722 - Used - Graded VG (LA01-0035-02-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

722

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1932

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #722 (Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
3¢ Violet – George Washington, 1932
(Washington Bicentennial Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #722 was issued in 1932 as part of the Washington Bicentennial commemoratives, celebrating the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. The stamp features a finely engraved bust of Washington facing front, framed by an ornamental oval with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” above and “3 CENTS” inscribed at the bottom corners. Produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, it was printed on flat plate presses and perforated 11. This example is postally used, retains no original gum, and has never been hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine – F)
The design is positioned close to the perforations, especially at the top margin, which is the narrowest. The left margin is narrower than the bottom, while the right is the widest. Perforations remain clear of the design, with white space visible on all sides, consistent with Fine centering standards per the 2009 PSE Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The following faults are present:
Very Minor Fault: Prominent guideline visible along one or two sides
Extremely Minor Fault: Tiny natural paper inclusion, not visually distracting
These faults collectively place the stamp in the Very Minor Fault category under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –10 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides, matching the issue standard. Perforations are intact, without evidence of clipping or reperforation. Margins are narrow and uneven, most notably at the top, supporting the Fine centering assessment.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black circular date cancel that is moderately heavy, crossing Washington’s face and obscuring parts of the portrait and inscriptions. This qualifies as a Heavy cancel under the PSE guidelines, detracting from the visual clarity of the design.

Collector’s Note:
Bicentennial issues are collected both for their subject matter and commemorative value. While this copy has strong color, lighter cancels are significantly more desirable for eye appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points
While the violet color remains vibrant, the cancel’s heavy placement across Washington’s face reduces presentation. The guideline fault is also visible but less distracting than the cancellation.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –10 (Very Minor Faults)
Adjusted Base Grade: 60 (Very Good/Fine)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10
Final Grade: 50 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 722
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 70 (Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (guideline, tiny inclusion)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact
Cancellation: Heavy cancel, obscuring portrait
Eye Appeal: –10 point deduction due to cancel placement
Final Grade: 50 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #722 displays Fine centering and retains strong color but is compromised by a heavy cancel and minor guideline fault. These factors lower its grade to Very Good (50). It remains a collectible space-filler within the Washington Bicentennial series under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (977)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions