U. S. Scott #740 - Used - Graded Good (LA01-0039-01-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

740

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1934

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #740 (Used – Single Stamp)
1¢ Green – Yosemite National Park, 1934
(National Parks Series – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #740 was issued in 1934 as part of the popular National Parks series. The vignette features Yosemite National Park with a scenic view of Half Dome towering above the Merced River valley, framed by pine trees in the foreground. The inscription “YOSEMITE” appears in a banner at the bottom, flanked by the denomination “1¢,” with “U.S. POSTAGE” spelled out beneath. This issue reflected the growing American appreciation for conservation and natural beauty during the early 20th century. The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforation holes are easily clear of the design, though margins are uneven. The top margin is the narrowest, followed by the left margin, while the bottom margin is the most generous. Overall balance places the stamp within the Fine/Very Fine centering range.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp retains full perforations and structural integrity but displays notable faults:
Major Fault: Two creases
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer on back of stamp

Together, these faults constitute a Major Fault under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. Perforations are intact, with no evidence of trimming or reperforation. Margin balance reflects Fine/Very Fine centering, with the bottom margin being widest.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a horizontal black machine cancel with multiple parallel bars, typical of period usage. The cancel crosses through the central design but does not entirely obscure the scenic details, leaving Half Dome still visible. This qualifies as an average to moderately heavy cancel under PSE standards.

Collector’s Note:
Machine cancels are common on this issue. While they reduce eye appeal compared to lighter strikes, they remain acceptable examples of period postal usage.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The green color remains fresh, and the impression is sharp. The cancel is dark but does not completely obliterate the design. No further deduction is applied beyond soundness and cancel classification.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 31
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0
Final Grade: 31 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 740
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (two creases, plus very minor ink transfer)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact and genuine
Cancellation: Black machine cancel, average strike, partly obscures design
Eye Appeal: Color fresh, cancel moderately heavy, no adjustment applied
Final Grade: 31 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #740 shows Fine/Very Fine centering but suffers from two creases and a minor ink transfer, classifying it with a Major Fault. Combined with a moderately heavy machine cancel, the final grade is Good (31). It remains a collectible example of the Yosemite National Park issue under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (832)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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