U. S. Scott #884 - Used - Graded G/VG (LA01-0053-02-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

884

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1940

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #884 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Green – Gilbert Charles Stuart, 1940
(Famous Americans Series – Engraved, Perf 11x10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #884 is the 1¢ value from the 1940 Famous Americans issue honoring Gilbert Charles Stuart, the distinguished portraitist best known for painting George Washington. The design, engraved in green, features Stuart in an oval frame surrounded by laurel leaves, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” above and denomination devices at the lower corners. This submitted example is postally used, previously hinged, and without original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp’s design is visibly clear of perforations on all sides, though margins are unbalanced. The right margin is the narrowest, the left is the widest, and the bottom is slightly more narrow than the top. According to the PSE centering scale, this qualifies as Fine/Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
This example displays the following faults:
Very Minor Fault: Corner perf crease
Very Minor Fault: Perf tip crease (x2)
Under the PSE guide, two or three very minor faults (or a mix of very minor and extremely minor faults) constitute a Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The issue is correctly perforated 11x10½. All perforations are present, though two tips show creasing and one corner is slightly bent. Margins reflect the centering grade, with the right side narrowest.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The cancel is a heavy black circular strike overlapping Stuart’s portrait, extending into the vignette and inscription areas. This qualifies as a Heavy to Very Heavy cancel under the PSE scale, as it obscures much of the design detail.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel

Collector’s Note:
Neat strikes are preferred for this issue, but this example’s heavy cancel substantially reduces visual clarity and overall appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color remains strong, and the impression is intact. However, the heavy cancel significantly impairs design visibility. Per PSE guidelines, a Very Heavy cancel warrants a deduction of –15 points.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 44 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 884
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (creased perforation tips and corner perf crease)
Perforations: Perf 11x10½, intact but faulted at tips
Cancellation: Very Heavy cancel obscuring portrait
Eye Appeal: –15 point deduction
Final Grade: 44 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #884 shows Fine/Very Fine centering but is held back by multiple very minor perf faults and a very heavy cancellation. The result is a Good/Very Good grade under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. It remains a collectible representative of the Famous Americans issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (831)

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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