U. S. Scott #RW42 - MNH - Graded VG/F (LA01-0544-03-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

RW42

Stamp Type

Duck Stamps - Federal

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1975

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #RW42 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
$5 Multicolor – Canvasback, 1975–76
(Federal Duck Stamp – Engraved, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #RW42 is the 1975–76 Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The design features a Canvasback duck decoy in the foreground, with a small flock of real Canvasbacks flying overhead. The background includes a shoreline and marshland habitat. Text includes “Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp,” “U.S. Department of the Interior,” and “Void After June 30, 1976.” Like all federal duck stamps, it served both as a hunting license validation and a fundraising tool for waterfowl habitat preservation.

This example is unused, never hinged, and retains full original gum. It exhibits strong design clarity and visual appeal, though it does have minor production faults.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The margins are full and clear of the design on all four sides. The bottom margin is slightly wider than the others, while the top and left margins are narrower. Despite this imbalance, the design remains comfortably clear of the perforations, and the stamp meets the PSE definition for Fine/Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits no structural damage or handling-related faults. However, the following minor and very minor natural production faults are present:
Minor Fault: Natural gum wrinkle or crease, visible under magnification
Very Minor Fault: Slight crease affecting one bottom perforation tip
Although the bottom perf tip crease aligns with the wider margin (which enhances centering from the front), it still qualifies as a fault.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all four sides, consistent with the issue. All perforations are full and clean, with one tip on the bottom edge showing a slight bend or crease. There are no signs of reperforation or trimming. The margin proportions reinforce the Fine/Very Fine centering classification, with a visually pleasing wider bottom edge.

Cancellation Classification:
Not applicable. This stamp is unused and uncancelled.
Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp exhibits strong color saturation, clear impression, and excellent freshness. There is no visual impairment from the natural faults. The wider bottom margin slightly enhances visual balance, and the overall appearance remains attractive.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +3 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +3 (Fresh appearance, wide bottom margin)
Final Grade: 60 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: RW42
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (natural gum crease; perf tip crease)
Perforations: Perf 11, full, one slightly creased tip
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: +3 point bonus for freshness and visual balance
Final Grade: 60 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This unused, never hinged example of Scott #RW42 has strong centering and freshness. Although it bears a minor gum crease and a very minor perf tip crease, its overall presentation remains visually pleasing. With a final grade of 60, this stamp falls in the Very Good category, reflecting solid condition with minor production-related imperfections.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (722)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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