U. S. Scott #514 - Used - Graded VG/F

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

514

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1917

Item Description

Detailed Analysis of Scott #514 (Used, Never Hinged, No Gum)

Stamp Design & General Description
Scott #514, issued in 1919, is a 15-cent gray stamp featuring a portrait of Benjamin Franklin. This issue is part of the Washington-Franklin series, known for its multiple denominations and perforation varieties.

the Design Features:

A left-facing profile of Franklin, set within an oval frame.
Intricate ornamental scrollwork surrounding the portrait.
The denomination "15 CENTS" printed at the bottom.
"U.S. POSTAGE" displayed at the top.
This stamp was used for regular postage, and due to its higher face value, it was commonly used for international mail and heavier domestic shipments.

Detailed Condition Analysis
1. Centering (Grade: 70 - 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, meaning the design is not cut into.
This centering falls under Fine (F).
Centering Grade: 70.

2. Soundness (Faultless - No Visible Defects)
The stamp has no creases, thins, tears, or missing perforations.
There is no evidence of a hinge remnant or gum disturbance (as expected for a used stamp).
The perforations are intact and well-formed.
No deductions for soundness.
Final Soundness Grade: 70 (Fine).

3. Perforations
The perforations are clean, well-defined, and fully intact.
No signs of trimming, reperforation, or missing perfs.
The stamp retains its original structure as issued in 1919.

4. Eye Appeal
The gray color remains strong and well-preserved.
The engraving is sharp, with well-defined details in Franklin’s hair and facial features.
The cancellation is moderate to heavy, with a bold, dark postmark that partially obscures Franklin’s face.
A -5 point deduction for moderate to heavy cancellation is warranted.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Starting Grade:
Fine Centering (70).
Soundness Deduction:
No deductions (Faultless).
Adjusted Grade: 70.
Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Moderate to Heavy Cancellation = -5 Points.
Final Grade: 65 (Very Good - Fine).

Final Grade & Summary
Centering: 70 (Fine).
Soundness: Faultless (No Deductions).
Eye Appeal: -5 Deduction for Moderate to Heavy Cancellation.
Final Grade: 65 (Very Good - Fine).

Overall Assessment:
This Scott #514 (Used, No Gum, Moderate to Heavy Cancellation) is a moderately collectible example, and the final grade of 65 (VG-F) reflects its centering and the impact of the cancellation.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (434)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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