U. S. Scott #640 - Unused - Graded VF

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

640

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

80 (VF)

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #640 (Unused, Hinged, Original Gum)

Design Overview:
Scott #640 is an 8-cent olive green stamp issued in 1926-1934 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue. It features a portrait of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War. The design includes decorative scrollwork, with "United States Postage" inscribed at the top and the denomination "8 Cents" displayed in the lower corners. This issue was used for international and higher domestic postal rates.

Grading Breakdown:
1. Centering Grade: 79 (Fine-Very Fine)
The stamp is noticeably off-center, with one or two sides significantly closer to the edge.
However, the frameline does not touch the perforations, and some white space remains visible.
Falls within the Fine-Very Fine (F-VF) category under PSE guidelines.

2. Soundness: Faultless
The stamp is unused, hinged, with original gum.
Hinging is evaluated separately for Scott #771 and below, meaning it does not impact the soundness score.
No significant creases, thins, tears, or surface defects.
No soundness deduction applied.

3. Perforations & Margins:
Perforations are intact and well-formed, with no signs of trimming or reperforation.
Margins are uneven, contributing to the centering deduction.

4. Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color & Impression: The olive green color is bold and well-printed, maintaining excellent contrast.
Paper Condition: The front appears clean and well-preserved.
Overall Presentation: The design remains fully visible, and the stamp has strong visual appeal.
Eye Appeal Bonus: +2 points (for sharp ink contrast and clear design details).

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Fine-Very Fine Centering: 79
Soundness Deduction: None (Faultless)
Eye Appeal Bonus: +2 points (for strong contrast and sharp design, raising it to 81 - Very Fine (VF))
? Final Assigned Grade: 81 (Very Fine - VF)

Summary:
Scott Number: 640
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine-Very Fine - F-VF)
Soundness: Faultless
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2 points (Sharp contrast and strong design clarity)
Final Numerical Grade: 81 (Very Fine - VF)

? Overall Verdict:
This example of Scott #640 is a well-preserved and visually appealing stamp, though centering issues prevent it from reaching an XF grade. Since hinging is evaluated separately for Scott #771 and below, no deductions are applied for it. The bold olive green color and sharp design clarity enhance its presentation, warranting a final grade of 81 (Very Fine - VF). It is a strong collectible example with excellent visual appeal.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (518)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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