U. S. Scott #RW42 - Unused - Graded VF (NA01-RW09-04-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

RW42

Stamp Type

Duck Stamps - Federal

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

80 (VF)

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 was issued for the 1975–76 hunting season as part of the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Program. The design features a detailed image of a Canvasback duck decoy in the foreground with three Canvasbacks in flight overhead. The scene is set against a lightly sketched waterfowl habitat with a subtle shoreline background. The inscriptions include “Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp,” “U.S. Department of the Interior,” and “Void After June 30, 1976.” The purpose of this stamp was both functional and conservation-driven, serving as a federal license validation while raising funds for wetland protection.

This stamp is unused, never hinged, and retains original gum. No faults are visible on either the front or back of the stamp.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp displays well-balanced margins, though the left and top margins are narrower than the right and bottom. All margins are clear of the design, and the image does not approach the perforations. The stamp fits the PSE definition of Fine/Very Fine centering, where one or two margins are narrower but remain comfortably away from the design elements.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is completely sound with no visible faults. There are no gum wrinkles, inclusions, skips, creases, thins, toned spots, or perf irregularities. The gum is smooth, original, and untouched.
Soundness Classification: Faultless
Soundness Deduction: –0 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 11 on all sides. The perforations are complete, well-formed, and cleanly punched. No signs of trimming or reperforation are present. The bottom margin is the widest, enhancing visual stability, while the top and left are narrower yet fully clear.

Cancellation Classification:
Not applicable. This is an unused stamp with no cancellation marks.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The colors are fresh, with excellent contrast and clarity in the engraved lines. The image retains strong ink saturation and no fading or smudging is present. The slightly wider bottom margin adds aesthetic balance to the design.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +3 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –0 (Faultless)
Adjusted Base Grade: 77
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +3 (fresh color and balanced appearance)
Final Grade: 80 (Very Fine – VF)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: RW42
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Faultless
Perforations: Perf 11, full and even
Cancellation: None (unused)
Eye Appeal: +3 point bonus for color, freshness, and balanced margins
Final Grade: 80 (Very Fine – VF)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #RW42 is a faultless, never hinged Federal Duck Stamp with strong engraving and pleasing centering. Its well-balanced composition and pristine condition earn it a final grade of 80, placing it in the Very Fine category under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (714)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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