U. S. Scott #834 - MNH - Graded Fine

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

834

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1938

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #834 (Unused, Original Gum – Single Stamp)
Calvin Coolidge – $5 Carmine and Black, 1938

?️ Design Overview
This $5 stamp is the highest denomination of the 1938 Presidential Series, featuring Calvin Coolidge, the 30th U.S. President. The bi-color layout highlights a black engraved bust set against a bold carmine-red vertical frame with stars and wheat stalks. Large "$5" denominations appear in the bottom corners, while “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” crowns the top of the stamp. This issue is often viewed as the capstone to the elegant Prexie design set.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (79)
The stamp is slightly off-center to the top and right, though well within acceptable tolerance for F/VF classification.
Margins remain fully clear of the design on all sides.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 79

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: Original gum, never hinged ✅
Identified Faults:
Very Minor Fault: Slight pinkish discoloration on the face of the stamp
? Soundness Deduction: –7
? Adjusted Base Grade: 72

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforations: All are fully intact and uniformly punched. No blunt or ragged perfs noted.
Margins: Slightly narrower on the top and right, but all are comfortably clear of the design.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color Good contrast overall, but slightly affected by facial discoloration ?
Impression Crisp detail in the engraved bust and frame ✅
Freshness Slightly reduced by front discoloration ?
Balance Overall visually pleasing balance
Overall Slight pinkish tone on the face detracts from otherwise strong presence
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –2 (for facial discoloration diminishing overall presentation)

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering Grade 79
Soundness Deduction –7
Subtotal 72
Eye Appeal Penalty –2
Final Grade 70 ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 834
Format Single Stamp
Condition Unused, Never Hinged
Gum Original Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (79)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (discoloration visible on front)
Eye Appeal Slight pink hue detracts slightly from visual strength (–2)
Final Grade 70 (Fine) ✅

? Final Verdict
This Scott #834 – Calvin Coolidge $5 stamp presents with fine centering, clean perforations, and bold design elements. However, a slight discoloration on the face impacts both soundness and eye appeal. These deductions bring the final numerical grade to 70, firmly within the Fine range. Still a solid high-value example from the Prexie series, though visually just a notch below top-tier due to the pinkish hue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (711)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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