U. S. Scott #512 - Used - Graded Fair

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

512

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1917

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #512 (Used, Never Hinged, No Gum - Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #512 is a 12-cent claret red Washington-Franklin issue from the 1917-1919 perf 11 series, printed on unwatermarked paper. The design features an engraved left-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin, enclosed within a laurel wreath. The inscription "U.S. POSTAGE" appears at the top, and the denomination "12 CENTS" is displayed at the bottom.

This example is used, never hinged, and has no gum.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Very Good (55)
✔ The stamp exhibits Very Good (55) centering, meaning that the perforations touch, appear to touch, or slightly cut into the frameline of the design.
✔ The left margin is tight, and the perfs encroach slightly into the design.
✔ The other three sides maintain slightly more clearance, but overall, this falls into the Very Good range.

Soundness Evaluation
✔ This stamp exhibits a major fault:
✔ Several faulty, clipped, pulled, or short perfs are present, which significantly affects the stamp’s soundness.
✔ The paper remains intact, with no visible thins, creases, or other physical damage beyond the perforation issues.

Adjusted Soundness Grade: Major Fault (-38 points).
✔ Final Grade Before Eye Appeal Adjustment: 17 (Fair - F).

Perforations & Margins
✔ This is a fully perforated stamp with standard 11-gauge perforations, but several perfs are faulty, clipped, or pulled, reducing the overall soundness.
✔ The left margin is extremely tight, and the perforations slightly cut into the design.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
✔ Color & Impression: The claret red color is strong, with no significant fading.
✔ Cancellation: The stamp has a heavy cancel, which further detracts from its appearance.
✔ Overall Presentation: Due to the heavy cancel and perforation issues, no eye appeal bonus is applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Very Good Centering) 55
Soundness Deduction (Major Fault: Several Clipped, Pulled, or Short Perfs) -38
Eye Appeal Bonus 0
Final Numerical Grade 17 (Fair - F)

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 512
Condition Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering 55 (Very Good - VG)
Soundness Major Fault (-38: Clipped, Pulled, or Short Perfs)
Perforations Perf 11, Several Faulty
Eye Appeal No Bonus (Heavy Cancellation, Faulty Perfs)
Final Grade 17 (Fair - F)

? Final Verdict:
This used, never hinged Scott #512 stamp with no gum receives a Fair (17) final grade, reflecting significant perforation issues. The major deduction comes from the clipped, pulled, and short perforations, which severely impact soundness. Additionally, the heavy cancellation further reduces the stamp’s visual appeal.

It remains a space filler example of Scott #512 but lacks the qualities of a highly collectible specimen.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (557)

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