U. S. Scott #J77 - Used - Graded G/VG (LA01-0532-06-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

J77

Stamp Type

Postage Due

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1930

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #J77 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
$1 Carmine – Dollar Sign & Numerals, 1930
(U.S. Postage Due Issue – Third Bureau Design, 1930 Reprint)

Design Overview:
Scott #J77 represents the $1 denomination in the final series of engraved postage due stamps, printed in 1930. This bold design uses deep carmine ink and displays a large vertical dollar sign, flanked by two “1” numerals and the word “ONE” in an ornate central panel. It was intended for significant unpaid postage assessments and served as the highest-value postage due stamp in the series.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The top margin is even and comfortably spaced from the frame, while the bottom margin is slightly tighter but remains clear of the design. The left margin is narrower than the right but retains visible white space. All frame lines are intact and fully visible. This meets the standard for Fine/Very Fine centering under PSE guidelines, where one or two margins may be slightly narrow but all frame lines remain separate from the perforations.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp shows four very minor issues: light dirt smudging or spotting on the back, a hinge remnant or hinge mark on the back, ink writing (handstamp or pencil) on the back, and a small corner perforation crease (lower left). Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, two or more minor or very minor issues collectively qualify as a Fault.
Soundness Deduction: –30 points
Combined Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Fault Soundness): 49 (Good/Very Good – GD–VG)

Perforations and Margins:
The perforations are structurally intact, with no pulled or shortened teeth. All frame lines are visible, with the right side margin particularly generous. The corner crease at the bottom left affects only one perforation and does not compromise the structural integrity.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a black double-bar cancel positioned across the left and right “1” numerals. The cancel is moderate in strength and does not dominate or obliterate the central design, which remains legible.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Eye Appeal Evaluation:
The strong carmine color and clear impression enhance visual appeal. None of the faults are visible from the front. The cancel moderately overlaps the design, warranting a –5 deduction.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79
Soundness Deduction (Fault): –30
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Numerical Grade: 44 (Good–Very Good – GD–VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: J77
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness: Fault – four very minor issues collectively (hinge mark, light dirt on back, ink marking on back, corner perf crease)
Perforations: Intact; small corner crease at lower left
Cancellation: Moderate black cancel; visible but not heavy
Eye Appeal: –5 deduction due to cancellation
Final Grade: 44 (Good–Very Good – GD–VG)

Final Verdict:
This used Scott #J77 features Fine/Very Fine centering, strong color, and structurally intact perforations. It has multiple very minor issues on the back, including a hinge remnant, ink marking, corner perf crease, and dirt smudging, which together constitute a Fault under PSE standards. The cancel moderately overlaps the design but does not dominate it, resulting in a final grade of 44 (Good–Very Good – GD–VG).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (827)

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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