U. S. Scott #640 - Unused - Graded G/VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

640

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #640 (Unused, Hinged OG – Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #640 is an 8¢ definitive stamp issued in 1927 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue. It features a detailed portrait of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, printed in olive bister. The design maintains the ornate typographic styling of the era, with a central oval portrait framed by scrollwork and value tablets in the lower corners.

This example is unused, has original gum, and has been hinged (hinging is evaluated separately for this issue).

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (78)
The design is clear of the perforations on all four sides.
Margins are narrower on the left and top, though not crowding the frame.
Centering qualifies for Fine/Very Fine, corresponding to a centering grade of 78.

Soundness Evaluation
Minor Faults Identified:
Two shorter to short perfs (less than half normal length) along the left side.
Toning spot on the reverse, mid-left.
The combination of two minor faults constitutes a Fault in the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Deduction for Fault Soundness: –30 points.
Adjusted Grade Before Eye Appeal:
78 (Centering) – 30 (Soundness) = 48

Perforations & Margins
Perforations are generally intact aside from the two noticeably shorter teeth at the left.
No clipping or trimming detected.
Margins are present on all sides, though tighter on the top and left.

Eye Appeal
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Typical olive-bister tone, slightly faded appearance
Overall Look Detracted somewhat by minor faults, but acceptable
Distractions Toning spot on the back does not affect the face
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 (no visual bonus or deduction appropriate)

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering 78
Soundness Deduction –30
Subtotal 48
Eye Appeal ±0
Final Grade 48

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number #640
Condition Unused, Hinged, OG
Centering Fine/Very Fine (78)
Soundness Fault (Short perfs + toning spot)
Perforations Mostly intact, two short
Eye Appeal Typical; no adjustment

Final Grade 48 – Good/Very Good (G/VG)
? Conclusion: This example of Scott #640 presents with decent centering but is held back by a combination of tone spotting and short perforations, placing it within the Good/Very Good range at grade 48.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (524)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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