U. S. Scott #807 - Used - Graded FR/G (LA01-0049-01-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

807

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 #807 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Violet – Thomas Jefferson, 1938
(Presidential Issue – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11x10.5, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #807 is the 3¢ violet issue from the 1938 Presidential Series, or “Prexies.” The design features a right-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, with his name and years of service (1801–1809) inscribed below the portrait. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” appears at the upper right, while the denomination “3¢” is displayed at the lower corners. This example is postally used, has never been hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforations are clear of the design, though margins are unbalanced. The bottom margin is the narrowest, the right margin is the widest, while the left margin is narrower than the top. The stamp meets the PSE standard for Fine/Very Fine centering, where one or two margins may be narrow but remain clear of the design.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp presents the following faults:
Major Fault: Natural straight edge on two sides
Extremely Minor Fault: Adhered paper on back of stamp
The presence of two natural straight edges constitutes a Major Fault under PSE guidelines, and additional very minor faults confirm the downgrade.
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 11x10.5, consistent with this issue. Straight edges are present on two sides, a significant detractor. Remaining perforations are intact, with no evidence of trimming or reperforation.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black machine cancel consisting of multiple horizontal wavy lines, covering the portrait and extending across the vignette. This cancel is bold but does not completely obliterate the design. It qualifies as a heavy cancel under PSE standards.

Collector’s Note:
Straight-edge examples of the Prexies are less sought after compared to fully perforated copies, and this reduces value and desirability. The heavy machine cancel further diminishes appeal, though it reflects authentic postal use.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points
The heavy cancel combined with the straight-edge presentation noticeably reduces visual appeal.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault present)
Adjusted Base Grade: 32 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 27 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 807
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (two straight edges, plus minor back adherence)
Perforations: Perf 11x10.5, intact, two straight edges
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel with wavy lines across portrait
Eye Appeal: –5 points (straight edges and cancel reduce presentation)
Final Grade: 27 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #807 offers Fine/Very Fine centering but is heavily downgraded due to two natural straight edges and a heavy cancel. While not a premium piece, it remains a representative of the 1938 Presidential Issue under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (831)

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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