U. S. Scott #602 - Unused - Graded VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

602

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1924

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #602 (Unused, Hinged, OG – Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #602 is the 5¢ Theodore Roosevelt stamp issued in 1923 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue. Printed using the flat plate method, this stamp presents a sharply engraved portrait of Roosevelt within an oval frame, accompanied by bold ornamental elements and value indicators in the lower corners. The text "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" encircles the top, while the denomination “5 CENTS” anchors the bottom. The stamp is printed in a rich blue ink.

This particular example is unused, has original gum, and has been hinged.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (78)
✔ Design is clearly visible and unobstructed by perforations.
✔ All four margins are full and clear, though the left margin is narrower than the others.
✔ Balance is good, and the presentation aligns with Fine/Very Fine criteria.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)

Soundness Evaluation
✘ The back shows slight discoloration and slight toning, visible in uneven gum coloration and faint darkened areas.
✘ These constitute two very minor faults, which together are classified as a Minor Fault under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
? Soundness Category: Minor Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –20
? Adjusted Base Grade: 58

? Hinging is evaluated separately on Scott #602 and does not affect the numerical grade.

Perforations & Margins
✔ All perforations are intact and uniformly punched.
✔ No short or irregular perfs present.
✔ Margins are full and clear of the design on all sides.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Strong blue tone, but gum tone slightly impacts freshness
Gum Appearance Original gum with visible hinge mark and mild toning
Overall Appearance Visually solid, but slightly dulled by toning and discoloration
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –2
(Mild toning and discoloration reduce the vibrancy and freshness of the back presentation.)

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (F/VF Centering) 78
Soundness Deduction (Minor Fault) –20
Subtotal 58
Eye Appeal Adjustment –2
Final Grade 56

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 602
Condition Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Format Sheet stamp
Centering 78 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Minor Fault (discoloration and toning)
Perforations Fully intact and even
Eye Appeal Slightly diminished due to toning
Final Grade 56 (Very Good – VG)

? Final Verdict
This hinged Scott #602 example with original gum grades a 56 (Very Good). While its centering is solidly Fine/Very Fine and the perforations are intact, the presence of multiple very minor faults (slight discoloration and toning) result in a Minor Fault classification. Slight visual dulling further reduces the final grade. Still, this stamp remains collectible and appealing for intermediate-level collectors or as a representative issue in a broader Fourth Bureau collection.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (557)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions