U. S. Scott #509 - Used - Graded G/VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

509

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1917

Item Description

Detailed Analysis of Scott #509 (Used, Never Hinged, No Gum)

Stamp Design & General Description
Scott #509, issued in 1917, is a 9-cent orange stamp featuring a profile portrait of Benjamin Franklin. This issue is part of the Washington-Franklin series, known for its multiple perforation and watermark varieties.

The design consists of Franklin’s profile set within an oval frame, surrounded by ornamental scrollwork. The denomination "9 CENTS" is printed at the bottom, while "U.S. POSTAGE" appears at the top.

This stamp was used for regular postage and was widely circulated, making its condition and quality essential for collectors.

Detailed Condition Analysis
1. Centering (Grade: 77 - Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp is noticeably off-center, with one or two sides significantly closer to the perforations.
However, white space remains between the frameline and the perforations, ensuring the design is not cut into.
This centering falls under Fine/Very Fine (F-VF).
Centering Grade: 77.

2. Soundness (Fault: Two or Three Minor Faults)
The stamp has a short perf and a corner perf crease.
Two minor faults combine to constitute a single "Fault" category deduction.
There are no major tears, thins, or missing portions.
Fault Deduction: 30 points from centering grade.
Final Soundness Grade: Good/Very Good (40-49).

3. Perforations
The perforations are mostly intact, except for the short perf and corner perf crease.
No signs of reperforation or trimming.
Despite the minor issues, the stamp retains original production integrity.

4. Eye Appeal
The orange color remains strong and well-preserved.
The cancellation is bold and clear, but it slightly obscures the portrait.
The short perf and crease slightly affect visual appeal.
Given the strong color but the impact of the heavy cancellation, a -5 point eye appeal deduction is warranted.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Starting Grade:
Fine/Very Fine Centering (77).
Soundness Deduction:
Two Minor Faults = 30-Point Deduction (Fault Category).
Adjusted Grade: 47 (Good/Very Good).
Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Heavy Cancel, Short Perf, and Crease = -5 Points.
Final Grade: 42 (Good/Very Good - Low End).

Final Grade & Summary
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine).
Soundness: Two Minor Faults (Short Perf, Corner Perf Crease).
Eye Appeal: -5 Deduction for Heavy Cancellation & Minor Faults.
Final Grade: 42 (Good/Very Good - Low End).

Overall Assessment:
This Scott #509 (Used, No Gum, Minor Faults) is a moderately collectible example, but its final grade of 42 (Good/Very Good - Low End) places it in a lower collectible range due to the faults and cancellation impact.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (434)

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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