U. S. Scott #746 - Used - Graded G/VG (LA01-0039-03-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

746

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 #746 (Used – Single Stamp)
7¢ Black – Acadia National Park, 1934
(National Parks Series – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #746 was issued in 1934 as part of the National Parks commemorative series. The vignette depicts a rugged coastal view of Acadia National Park in Maine, with rocky cliffs and the Atlantic shoreline. Vertical panels frame the design, with “U.S. POSTAGE” at left and “SEVEN CENTS” at right, while “ACADIA” is inscribed at the bottom. The denomination “7¢” is enclosed in a medallion at upper right. Printed in black, the issue highlighted America’s scenic and historic parks. The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 75 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforations are clear of the design on all sides, though margins are uneven. The right margin is the narrowest, the left is the widest, and the bottom is narrower than the top. This balance of margins places the stamp in the Fine/Very Fine centering category under PSE standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows no tears or thins but has the following faults:
Fault: Natural straight edge
Very Minor Fault: Guideline prominent on one or two sides
Very Minor Fault: Light cancellation bleed-through

Together, these constitute a Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on three sides, with one natural straight edge present. Perforations where present are intact, with no evidence of trimming or reperforation. Margins confirm the Fine/Very Fine centering assessment, with notable imbalance between sides.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black machine cancel with the word “CLEVELAND, OHIO” visible. The cancel is dark and bold, running across the top of the design but leaving the central coastal vignette largely intact. This qualifies as an average to heavy cancel under PSE standards, as it is visually strong but does not completely obscure the scene.

Collector’s Note:
Straight-edged examples of this issue are less desirable to collectors, as four-sided perforations are preferred. Lighter cancels that leave the vignette fully visible are also more marketable.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The black ink remains strong and the paper is reasonably fresh. The bold cancel and the natural straight edge reduce desirability, but no additional deduction beyond the soundness category is applied.
Adjustment Applied: ±0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 75 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 45
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0
Final Grade: 45 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 746
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 75 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (natural straight edge, guideline, cancel bleed-through)
Perforations: Perf 11 on three sides, natural straight edge on one
Cancellation: Black machine cancel with “CLEVELAND, OHIO,” strong but not obliterating
Eye Appeal: Strong color, but cancel and straight edge reduce overall desirability
Final Grade: 45 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #746 shows Fine/Very Fine centering but suffers from a natural straight edge, guideline prominence, and cancel bleed-through, constituting a Fault classification. A bold cancel further reduces appeal, producing a final grade of 45 (Good/Very Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (839)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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