U. S. Scott #642 - Used - Graded Fair

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

642

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #642 (Used, No Gum – Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #642 is a 10¢ yellow-orange stamp featuring a finely engraved portrait of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. Issued in 1927 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue, this stamp maintains the classic design elements of the series: an oval portrait centered within an ornate frame, flanked by large numeral denominations in each lower corner. The deep yellow-orange tone stands out as one of the more vivid colorations in the set.

This example is used, has no gum, and features a bold square cancel applied diagonally across the upper half of the stamp. A faint ink bleed is visible on the back.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Very Good (53)
The design slightly leans to the lower left.
Bottom-left perforations appear to just touch the outer frame line.
Margins are noticeably narrower on the bottom and left compared to the top and right.
This fits PSE's Very Good centering definition. ? Assigned Centering Grade: 53

Soundness Evaluation
✔ No thins, tears, or creases observed.
✘ One shorter-to-short perf at lower right (less than half standard length).
✘ Light cancellation bleed-through on back.
These two very minor faults together constitute a Minor Fault under the PSE Guide. ? Soundness Category: Minor Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –20
? Adjusted Base Grade: 33 (Centering 53 – 20 for soundness)

Perforations & Margins
Most perforations are intact and well-formed.
The bottom-right perf is shorter than normal.
Margins are tight on two sides, especially at the lower-left corner where they touch the design.

Cancellation Classification
The square cancel is bold and black, extending diagonally across Monroe’s portrait.
Key facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) remain visible.
The cancel partially obscures the upper face and part of the background scrollwork.
A faint ink bleed-through is visible on the back. ? Cancellation Grade: Very Heavy
? Eye Appeal Deduction for Cancel: –15

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Strong yellow-orange with crisp impression lines.
Cancellation Very bold and dark, but not obliterating — face remains visible.
Distractions Minor ink bleed on back, no major visual flaws otherwise.
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Value
Centering Grade 53
Soundness Deduction –20
Subtotal 33
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15
Final Grade 18

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 642
Issue 1927 Fourth Bureau Issue
Denomination 10¢
Subject James Monroe
Condition Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering Very Good (53)
Soundness Minor Fault (short perf, ink bleed)
Eye Appeal Very Heavy Cancel (–15)
Final Grade 18 (Fair – FR)

? Final Verdict
This example of Scott #642 is boldly canceled, used, and bears light but visible flaws. The centering is marginal, and the two very minor faults combine to affect the soundness rating. The very heavy black cancel, although not obliterating Monroe’s face, dominates the stamp visually and contributes a –15 deduction. The final grade of 18 places this stamp in the Fair (FR) category. Despite the grading, the stamp remains collectible for completion purposes or educational reference.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (541)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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