U. S. Scott #639 - Used - Graded Fine

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

639

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #639 (Used, No Gum – Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #639 is a 7¢ black stamp featuring a formal portrait of President William McKinley, part of the 1926–1932 Fourth Bureau Issue series. The stamp presents McKinley’s image within an oval frame bordered by decorative flourishes, with the denomination “7 CENTS” prominently displayed at the bottom corners. It served both domestic and international postal needs, representing the higher values in this definitive issue.

This specimen is used and exhibits a machine cancel over McKinley’s portrait. There is no gum on the reverse.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (78)
The stamp design is clearly clear of the perforations on all four sides.
Margins are slightly narrow at the top and right but comfortably within Fine/Very Fine standards.
No framelines are infringed upon by perforation holes. ? Assigned Centering Grade: 78

Soundness Evaluation
✔ No thins, tears, or creases are visible.
✔ Perforations are full and intact.
✔ There are no evident faults on the back.
? Soundness Category: Faultless
? Soundness Deduction: 0 points
? Adjusted Base Grade: 78

Perforations & Margins
All perforation holes are present and cleanly punched.
Slightly narrower margins on top and right.
Balanced appearance overall.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Strong impression, rich black ink with good contrast.
Cancellation Smudged cancel over portrait, particularly across the face and left side.
Overall Appearance Stamp has a solid presence but the cancel partially obscures key design features.
The smudged cancel lands in the “Heavy” category (slightly tired appearance, obscures part of design).
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –7 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Centering) 78
Soundness Deduction –0
Subtotal 78
Eye Appeal Adjustment –7
Final Grade 71

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 639
Condition Used, No Gum
Centering 78 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Faultless
Perforations Intact and even
Eye Appeal Smudged cancel over portrait (–7)
Final Grade 71 (Fine – F)

? Final Verdict
This is a Fine example of Scott #639. The stamp is fault-free and solidly centered with classic Fourth Bureau design appeal. The only limiting factor is the heavy smudged cancel obscuring McKinley’s face, which detracts from the visual quality and results in a final grade of 71. It remains a respectable used copy of this black 7¢ issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (542)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Bids
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions