U. S. Scott #E14 - MH - Graded VG (LA01-0529-02-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

E14

Stamp Type

Special Delivery

Condition

Unused

Centering

VF/XF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1925

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #E14 (Unused, Hinged, Original Gum – Single Stamp)
20¢ Black – Mail Truck at Post Office, 1925
(U.S. Special Delivery Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #E14, issued in 1925, is part of the Special Delivery series portraying a U.S. mail truck parked in front of a classical post office building. A postal clerk is shown carrying a package, while the truck bears the inscription “U.S. Mail.” The design symbolizes the mechanization of the postal system in the early twentieth century, reflecting efficiency and modernity. The bold black engraving emphasizes architectural and automotive detail, marking this as a highly iconic Special Delivery issue. The submitted example is unused, hinged, and retains original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 89 (Very Fine/Extremely Fine)
The stamp is well centered with ample margins on all sides. The top margin is the narrowest, followed by the bottom, while the left margin is slightly fuller, and the right margin is the widest. The design remains balanced, easily qualifying for Very Fine to Extremely Fine centering under PSE standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits several minor and very minor faults. There is a natural gum wrinkle or gum crease classified as a Minor Fault. A hinge remnant on the reverse and light ink transfer are considered Very Minor Faults. In addition, one shorter perforation about half the normal length is present, classifying as an Extremely Minor Fault. Together, this combination constitutes a Fault category under the PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault classification)

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 as expected for this issue. All perforations are genuine, though one tooth is shorter than normal. Margins are full on all sides, though uneven in width, with the right side the widest and the top the narrowest.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp is unused and bears no cancellation.

Collector’s Note:
This issue is particularly desirable when found with balanced centering and strong black impression. Minor gum wrinkles and hinge remnants are common for the period and frequently reduce otherwise high grades.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color is rich black with strong contrast and detail. The faults noted do not significantly affect the appearance from the front. No further adjustment is applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 89 (Very Fine/Extremely Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: E14
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 89 (Very Fine/Extremely Fine)
Soundness: Faults include gum wrinkle, hinge remnant, light ink transfer, and one shorter perforation
Perforations: Perf 11, intact except for one shorter perf
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: No further adjustment, strong black impression
Final Grade: 59 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #E14 exhibits Very Fine/Extremely Fine centering with intact perforations and strong black impression. However, a combination of gum and perforation faults lowers its grade substantially. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it receives a final grade of 59 (Very Good). It remains a collectible example of the 1925 20¢ Special Delivery issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (823)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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