U. S. Scott #749 - Used - Graded FR/G (LA01-0039-04-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

749

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 #749 (Used – Single Stamp)
10¢ Gray Black – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 1934
(National Parks Series – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #749 was issued in 1934 as part of the National Parks commemorative series. The vignette depicts the heavily forested ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains, with a tall pine tree dominating the right foreground and mist-shrouded ridges stretching into the distance. The inscription “GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS” appears at the top, while the denomination “10 CENTS” is set in a decorative banner at the bottom above “UNITED STATES POSTAGE.” Printed in gray black, this issue highlights the beauty of America’s eastern wilderness. 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, though margins are uneven. The top margin is the narrowest, followed by the left, while the bottom margin is the widest. This margin balance places the stamp within the Fine/Very Fine centering category.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is structurally intact with no tears or thins, but the following faults are present:
Major Fault: Natural straight edge on two sides
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer on back of stamp

These faults place the stamp into the Major Fault category under PSE standards.
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on two sides, with natural straight edges on the other two. The perforations where present are intact, with no evidence of reperforation. The margins reflect Fine/Very Fine centering, with the narrowest space at the top.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black circular cancel placed at the lower left and extending across the vignette. It is moderately heavy, interfering with part of the foreground but leaving the tree and mountain ridges visible. This qualifies as a heavy cancel under PSE standards.
Cancel Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Collector’s Note:
As with other National Parks issues, straight-edged examples are less desirable than fully perforated copies. In addition, the heavy cancel obscures part of the vignette, lowering eye appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The gray black color remains strong, and the impression is sharp. However, the heavy cancel detracts from visual clarity.
Adjustment Applied: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 32
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 22 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 749
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (two natural straight edges, ink transfer on back)
Perforations: Perf 11 on two sides, natural straight edges on two
Cancellation: Heavy black cancel, obscures part of design
Eye Appeal: –10 for heavy cancel, color remains strong
Final Grade: 22 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #749 shows Fine/Very Fine centering but is significantly reduced by two natural straight edges and light ink transfer, placing it in the Major Fault category. A heavy cancel further diminishes visual appeal, bringing the final grade to 22 (Fair/Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1003)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions