U. S. Scott #499 - Used - Graded VG/F

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

499

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1917

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #499 (Used, Hinged, No Gum - Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #499 is a 2-cent carmine Washington-Franklin stamp, part of the 1917-1919 perf 11 series printed on unwatermarked paper. The design features an engraved left-facing portrait of George Washington, enclosed within a laurel wreath. The inscription "U.S. POSTAGE" appears at the top, and the denomination "2 CENTS" is displayed at the bottom.

This example is used, hinged, and lacks original gum.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine - F)
✔ The stamp exhibits Fine centering, meaning the perforation holes on one or two sides come very close to the design, but some white space remains visible to the unaided eye.
✔ The left and bottom margins appear narrower, though they still provide a small margin before the perforations.
✔ The minimum margin requirement of 0.2mm is met, keeping it within the Fine range.

Soundness Evaluation
✔ The stamp exhibits a Very Minor Fault due to a hinge remnant on the back.
✔ The perforations are well-defined and intact, despite slight irregularities that are typical for this issue.
✔ The stamp is used and lacks original gum (no gum - NG), which is expected for a used example and does not factor into soundness deductions.

✔ Adjusted Soundness Grade: Very Minor Fault (-10 points)

✔ Final Grade Before Eye Appeal Adjustment: 61 (Very Good/Fine - VG/F)

Perforations & Margins
✔ This is a fully perforated stamp with standard 11-gauge perforations.
✔ The perforations are intact but slightly irregular, which is common for this issue.
✔ The margins are tight, but white space remains visible on all sides.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
✔ Color: The carmine hue is strong and consistent, with no noticeable fading.
✔ Impression: The engraving details remain sharp, particularly in Washington’s portrait and the laurel wreath.
✔ Cancellation: The stamp has a wavy-line machine cancel, which is moderate but not overly heavy.
✔ Paper Freshness: The paper appears clean and free of significant toning or stains.

✔ Since the color and impression are typical for this issue, no eye appeal bonus or deduction is warranted.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine Centering) 71
Soundness Deduction (Very Minor Fault: Hinge Remnant) -10
Eye Appeal Bonus 0
Final Numerical Grade 61 (Very Good/Fine - VG/F)

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 499
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 71 (Fine - F)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (-10: Hinge Remnant)
Perforations Perf 11, Slightly Irregular
Eye Appeal No Bonus (Typical Color & Impression)
Final Grade 61 (Very Good/Fine - VG/F)

? Final Verdict:
This used, hinged Scott #499 stamp without gum receives a Very Good/Fine (61) final grade, reflecting Fine centering and a very minor soundness issue (hinge remnant). The color and impression are standard for the issue, so no additional eye appeal bonus is applied. It remains a collectible example of Scott #499 in used condition.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (552)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions