U. S. Scott #723 - Used - Graded VG/F (LA01-0035-02-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

723

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 #723 (Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
6¢ Orange – James A. Garfield, 1932
(Washington Bicentennial Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #723 was issued in 1932 as part of the Washington Bicentennial series, which honored U.S. presidents alongside Washington’s 200th birth anniversary. This value depicts President James A. Garfield in a finely engraved bust portrait, facing slightly left within an ornamental oval frame. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” appears at the top, and the denomination “6 CENTS” is shown in numerals in the lower corners and spelled out across the bottom. Printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, this issue is perforated 11 and produced by flat plate printing. The submitted example is postally used, has never been hinged, and retains no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The design is balanced within the frame, with perforations clear of the design but leaving narrow margins on the right and left. The right margin is the most narrow, while the bottom is the most generous. The margins meet PSE’s definition of Fine/Very Fine centering, with one or two sides slightly narrow but still clear of the design.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits the following fault:
Very Minor Fault: Light cancellation bleed-through visible on the reverse.
This fault places the stamp in the Very Minor Fault category under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –5 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides, matching the issue standard. Perforations are intact, with no evidence of clipping or reperforation. Margins are uneven, with the right side narrower than the others, consistent with the assigned centering grade.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The black circular cancel strikes the lower left portion of the vignette, extending into Garfield’s beard and jacket. The cancel does not obliterate the portrait but is moderately heavy. Under PSE guidelines, this qualifies as a Heavy cancel, moderately detracting from design clarity.

Collector’s Note:
Washington Bicentennial stamps remain popular due to their historical significance and presidential subjects. While this copy has strong, fresh orange color, lighter cancels are preferred by collectors for improved eye appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points
The bright orange color remains strong, but the moderately heavy cancel and bleed-through reduce overall visual presentation.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72 (Fine)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 67 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 723
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (light cancel bleed-through)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact
Cancellation: Heavy cancel, affecting portrait and inscriptions
Eye Appeal: –5 point deduction due to bleed-through and cancel
Final Grade: 67 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #723 shows Fine/Very Fine centering and strong color, but minor cancel bleed-through and a moderately heavy cancel reduce eye appeal. These factors lower the grade to Very Good/Fine (67). It remains a solid collectible within the Washington Bicentennial series under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (833)

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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