U. S. Scott #803 - Used - Graded G/VG (LA01-0049-01-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

803

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1938

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #803 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
½¢ Orange – Benjamin Franklin, 1938
(Presidential Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11x10.5, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #803 is the ½¢ orange stamp from the 1938 Presidential Issue, popularly known as the “Prexies.” It features a left-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin in a simple, modern frame design. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” appears at upper right, with “BENJAMIN FRANKLIN” beneath the portrait and the denomination shown as “½ CENT” at the bottom corners. This example is postally used, has never been hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 83 (Very Fine)
All four margins are clear of the perforations, though unbalanced. The left margin is the narrowest, followed by the right, while the top margin is broader and the bottom the widest. The design remains fully framed, with adequate spacing from the perforations, consistent with Very Fine centering under the PSE scale.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits the following faults:
Minor Fault: Very short or nibbed perf
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant
Very Minor Fault: Light dirt smudging/spotting on the reverse
Together, these constitute a Fault classification under PSE guidelines, since multiple minor/very minor issues are present.
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 11x10.5, consistent with the issue. One perforation is short/nibbed, affecting soundness. Margins are complete but uneven, in keeping with Very Fine centering.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black machine cancel with bold letters, including the word “SQUARE,” running horizontally across Franklin’s portrait. The cancel is strong, partly obscuring the vignette but leaving Franklin’s face generally identifiable. Under PSE standards, this qualifies as a heavy cancel.

Collector’s Note:
Collectors of Prexies generally prefer lighter cancels that preserve the portrait. The strong machine cancel here reduces visual clarity, but it does confirm genuine postal use.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points
The heavy cancel obscuring the portrait, combined with back smudging, reduces visual appeal.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 83 (Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Faults present)
Adjusted Base Grade: 53 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 48 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 803
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 83 (Very Fine)
Soundness: Faults (short/nibbed perf, hinge remnant, dirt smudging)
Perforations: Perf 11x10.5, one nibbed perf
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel across Franklin portrait
Eye Appeal: –5 points (cancel and soiling reduce overall quality)
Final Grade: 48 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #803 has Very Fine centering but is held back by multiple soundness issues and a heavy cancel. Though downgraded significantly, it remains collectible as a representative of the 1938 Presidential Issue 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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