U. S. Scott #848 - Used - Graded FR/G (LA01-0050-05-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

848

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1939

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #848 (Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
1¢ Green – George Washington, 1939
(Presidential Series “Prexies” – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11×10½)

Design Overview:
Scott #848 portrays George Washington, the 1st President of the United States, who served from 1789 to 1797. The design features a left-facing engraved portrait with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” at the top right, “GEORGE WASHINGTON – 1789–1797” below the bust, and “1¢ 1” at the bottom. Issued in 1939 as part of the Presidential Series, this was the most common denomination, heavily used for postcards, third-class mail, and added to make up higher rates. The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and without original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforations are well clear of the design but margins are uneven. The bottom margin is the narrowest, the left the widest, with the top narrower than the right. This aligns with Fine/Very Fine centering under the 2009 PSE definitions, where one or two sides are narrow yet remain clear of the design.

Soundness Evaluation:
Major Fault: Cut corner affecting margin only
This defect constitutes a Major Fault under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 11×10½, consistent with the issue. A cut corner is present, affecting only the margin but still constituting a significant structural fault. Other perforations are genuine and intact. Margin proportions match the Fine/Very Fine centering grade.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp carries a bold black slogan cancel reading “BUY U.S. SAVINGS BONDS AND STAMPS,” running horizontally across the portrait. This is classified as a Heavy Cancel under PSE guidelines, as it obscures both the vignette and inscriptions.

Collector’s Note:
The 1¢ Washington was the definitive “workhorse” of the Prexies, with millions used on postcards, bulk mail, and wartime promotions. The “BUY SAVINGS BONDS” slogan cancel adds historical interest, reflecting wartime bond drives, though it reduces eye appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color remains bright and the paper is strong, but the cut corner and bold slogan cancel both significantly impact appearance. A –10 point adjustment is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 33
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10
Final Grade: 23 (Fair/Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 848
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (cut corner), –45
Perforations: Perf 11×10½, intact except cut corner
Cancellation: Heavy slogan cancel “BUY U.S. SAVINGS BONDS,” –10 adjustment
Eye Appeal: –10 due to cut corner and bold cancel
Final Grade: 23 (Fair/Good)

Final Verdict:
This used 1¢ George Washington from the Presidential Series shows Fine/Very Fine centering, but a cut corner and heavy slogan cancel lower its grade substantially. Its final numerical grade under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide is 23 (Fair/Good). It remains a collectible “workhorse” example of the issue, with the wartime slogan cancel adding historical interest despite the reduced condition.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (834)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions