U. S. Scott #615 - Used - Graded VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

615

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1924

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #615 (Used, No Gum – Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #615 is the 2¢ Huguenot-Walloon Tercentenary commemorative stamp issued in 1924. It marks the 300th anniversary of the arrival of French Huguenots and Walloons in North America. The stamp features a detailed engraving of a landing scene with European settlers arriving and interacting with Indigenous people. The upper corners display the dates 1624 and 1924, with the inscription "HUGUENOT-WALLOON TERCENTENARY" arching above the scene. The denomination “2 CENTS” appears at the base with large numerals in circular tablets.

This example is used, shows a machine cancellation, and has no gum, as is standard for used stamps.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine (72)
✔ The stamp is off-center, leaning noticeably downward and slightly to the right.
✔ There is still visible white space between the design and perforations on all sides.
✔ The top margin is much wider than the bottom; right margin is slightly narrow.
✔ Per the PSE definition of Fine centering, the margins approach but do not touch the design.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Soundness Evaluation
✘ Very minor discoloration is visible on the back, mostly in the lower left.
✔ No Structural Faults: no tears, thins, creases, or perforation damage.
✔ Paper is otherwise solid and intact.
? Soundness Category: Very Minor Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –10 points
? Adjusted Grade After Soundness: 62

Perforations & Margins
✔ Perforations are fully intact, evenly punched, and show no short, blunt, or pulled perfs.
✔ All four margins are complete and within Fine tolerances.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Deep carmine red with strong line detail beneath the cancel
Cancel Type Heavy black machine cancel obscuring large parts of the upper design
Overall Appearance Design remains discernible, but the cancel significantly reduces eye clarity
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points
(The cancellation is classified as Heavy, consistent with the PSE eye appeal scale for used stamps.)

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Value
Base Centering Grade 72
Soundness Deduction –10
Eye Appeal Adjustment –5
Final Numerical Grade 57

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 615
Condition Used, No Gum
Centering 72 (Fine – F)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (slight discoloration)
Perforations Fully intact and evenly spaced
Cancel Quality Heavy black machine cancel
Eye Appeal Moderate, reduced by cancel
Final Grade 57 (Very Good – VG)

? Final Verdict
This used Scott #615 earns a final grade of 57 (Very Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. The stamp’s fine centering and faultless perforations are commendable, but the combination of a heavy cancel and very minor discoloration reduces the overall score. It remains a well-preserved, clearly postally used example of a popular 1924 commemorative issue — ideal for collectors of U.S. history or used classic material.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1009)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions