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

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

642

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

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¢ orange stamp featuring James Monroe, issued in 1927 as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue. The portrait of Monroe is placed within a decorative oval frame, balanced by the denomination numerals in each lower corner. The overall design, with its symmetry and detail, reflects the elegance of early 20th-century U.S. engraved stamps.

This particular example is used, never hinged, and without original gum, displaying a bold corner cancellation that avoids the facial features.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (76)
The margins are slightly uneven, with the design shifted slightly left and down.
All perforations are clear of the design.
The stamp meets the PSE’s F/VF definition based on visible white space and margin width.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 76

Soundness Evaluation
✔ No thins, creases, or tears are visible.
✘ There is one shorter perf, about half the normal length, at the top left.
? Soundness Category: Extremely Minor Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –3
? Adjusted Base Grade: 73

Perforations & Margins
All perforations are intact except for the one shorter perf.
Top and right margins are slightly tighter than the left and bottom but not significantly so.
There is no evidence of scissor trimming or rough separations.

Cancellation Classification
The black cancel is bold but well-positioned vertically along the right side of the stamp.
It intersects only the edge of Monroe’s head and shoulder but avoids obscuring the eyes, nose, or mouth.
? Cancellation Grade: Light-to-Neat
? Eye Appeal Deduction: 0
(Justified, as the cancel is prominent but not facially disfiguring, with a vertical structure that leaves the portrait readable)

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Bright orange with sharp impression and strong contrast
Cancellation Clean and confined, avoids facial features
Overall Appearance Balanced, with good visual symmetry
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Centering Grade 76
Soundness Deduction –3
Eye Appeal Adjustment 0
Final Grade 73

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 642
Issue 1927 Fourth Bureau Issue
Denomination 10¢
Subject James Monroe
Condition Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (76)
Soundness Extremely Minor Fault – 1 short perf
Eye Appeal Neat cancellation, no deduction
Final Grade 73 (Fine – F)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #642 is a visually appealing, used example with strong color, well-proportioned margins, and a bold but well-placed cancel. The only minor issue is a single short perf, slightly reducing the soundness score. With a final grade of 73, it stands solidly within the Fine (F) category and is a well-preserved collectible for its type.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (541)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions