U. S. Scott #640 - Used - Graded Fine

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

640

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Detailed Analysis of Scott #640 (Used, Never Hinged, No Gum)

1. Design Description
This 8-cent stamp features a portrait of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and Union General during the Civil War. The design includes a bold, yellow-green color, with an ornate frame enclosing Grant’s likeness. The inscriptions "United States Postage" and "8 Cents" are prominently displayed, adding to the classical appeal of the stamp.

2. Soundness Analysis
Condition: The stamp is used, with a visible cancellation mark that crosses Grant’s portrait but does not entirely obscure the design.
Back Condition: The reverse is free of gum (as expected for a used stamp) and does not exhibit any major faults such as thins, creases, or tears. There is some minor discoloration, but it does not impact structural integrity.
Front Condition: The stamp remains intact, with no perforation damage, heavy creases, or missing portions.
Soundness Grade: Faultless.

3. Centering Analysis
Centering Grade: 72 (Fine).
The stamp is noticeably off-center, with one or two margins being significantly narrower.
The edge of the design approaches the perforations, though there is still a thin white space visible.
This meets the criteria for Fine (F) centering.

4. Perforations
Condition: The perforations are clean and intact, with no signs of short, pulled, or irregular perforations. This enhances the overall integrity of the stamp.

5. Eye Appeal
Evaluation:
The yellow-green color remains bold, making the stamp visually distinct.
The cancellation is somewhat heavy, but Grant’s portrait and key design elements remain visible.
The off-centering detracts slightly from overall balance, but the stamp still maintains its historical appeal.
A -2 point adjustment is applied for the heavier cancellation affecting clarity.
Adjustment: -2 points for a heavy cancellation.

6. Final Numerical Grade
Combination:
Soundness: Faultless (no deductions)
Centering: 72 (Fine)
Eye Appeal: -2 points for a heavy cancellation
Result: Final Grade: 70 (Fine).

Summary
Scott Number: #640
Condition: Used, never hinged, no gum
Soundness Grade: Faultless
Centering Grade: 72 (Fine)
Eye Appeal: Strong color, but heavy cancellation, -2-point deduction
Final Grade: 70 (Fine)

This evaluation reflects the stamp’s solid condition, noticeable centering issues, and a heavy cancellation that slightly detracts from visual clarity.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (434)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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