U. S. Scott #743 - Used - Graded FR/G (LA01-0039-02-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

743

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 #743 (Used – Single Stamp)
4¢ Brown – Mesa Verde National Park, 1934
(National Parks Series – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #743 was issued in 1934 as part of the National Parks commemorative series. The vignette depicts the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde in Colorado, highlighting the ancient architecture of the Ancestral Puebloans. Vertical panels frame the design, inscribed “U.S. POSTAGE” on the left and “FOUR CENTS” on the right, with denomination numerals “4” in each lower corner. The bottom panel bears the inscription “MESA VERDE.” Printed in brown, the stamp reflects the series’ celebration of America’s natural and cultural treasures. The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforations are well clear of the design, but margins are uneven. The top margin is the narrowest, the left margin is narrower than the right, and the bottom is the widest. The balance of margins is consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp retains full perforations but has the following faults:
Major Fault: Large tear
Minor Fault: Light crease
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer on back of stamp

These constitute a Major Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides, as expected for this issue. Perforations are intact but weakened near the area of the tear. Margin balance supports the Fine/Very Fine centering call.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a bold black circular cancel. It is centrally positioned and dark enough to obscure significant portions of the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings vignette. Under PSE guidelines, this qualifies as a Heavy Cancel.
Cancel Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Collector’s Note:
While National Parks issues are highly collectible, this example’s heavy cancel and large tear significantly detract from desirability. Lighter or face-free cancels are strongly preferred by collectors of this series.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The brown color is reasonably strong, but the heavy cancel obscures much of the design. Combined with the structural faults, overall eye appeal is low.
Adjustment Applied: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 31
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 21 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 743
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (large tear, light crease, ink transfer)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact but weakened near tear
Cancellation: Heavy black cancel, obscures design
Eye Appeal: –10 for heavy cancel, reduced overall presentation
Final Grade: 21 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #743 shows Fine/Very Fine centering but suffers from significant structural problems, including a large tear, a crease, and ink transfer on the back, which constitute a Major Fault. The heavy cancel further lowers eye appeal, resulting in a final grade of 21 (Fair/Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (827)

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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