U. S. Scott #747 - Used - Graded VG (LA01-0039-01-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

747

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 #747 (Used – Single Stamp)
8¢ Green – Zion National Park, 1934
(National Parks Series – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #747 was issued in 1934 as part of the National Parks commemorative series. The vignette features the towering sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park in Utah, with a winding river in the foreground. The denomination “8¢” appears in the upper right, while “ZION” is inscribed below the design, and “U.S. POSTAGE” runs along the bottom. The stamp was printed in green, emphasizing the natural grandeur of America’s western landscapes. The submitted example is postally used, hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforation holes are clear of the design on all sides, but the margins are unbalanced. The right margin is the narrowest, the left margin is the widest, and the top margin is narrower than the bottom. This balance places the stamp within the Fine/Very Fine range under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is intact with no tears or thins. The following faults are present:
Very Minor Fault: Perf tip crease
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer on back of stamp

Together, these constitute a Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. Perforations are generally intact, though slightly stressed at the point of the perf tip crease. Margin distribution supports the Fine/Very Fine centering grade.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black machine cancel running diagonally across the design. While noticeable, it does not obscure the central rock formation or inscriptions. This qualifies as a moderate cancel under PSE standards, with minimal impact on overall clarity.

Collector’s Note:
For this issue, collectors prefer lighter cancels that leave the central vignette fully visible. While this cancel is moderately heavy, it preserves the key design elements.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The green color remains strong, and the paper is clean. The cancel is visible but not severely detracting, and the faults are minor. No further adjustment beyond the soundness deduction is applied.
Adjustment Applied: ±0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 747
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (perf tip crease, light ink transfer on back)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact with slight stress at one perf tip
Cancellation: Black machine cancel, moderate, does not obscure design
Eye Appeal: Color remains strong, no adjustment beyond soundness deduction
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #747 displays Fine/Very Fine centering and strong color. The presence of two very minor faults, including a perf tip crease and ink transfer, results in a Minor Fault classification, reducing the grade to 57 (Very Good). It remains a collectible representative of the Zion National Park issue under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (827)

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

Public Questions