U. S. Scott #644 - MNH - VG/F

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

644

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1927

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #644 (Unused, NH OG – Single Stamp)

Design Overview
Scott #644 is a 2¢ carmine commemorative stamp issued in 1927 to mark the 150th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga and Bennington, key turning points in the American Revolutionary War. The horizontal layout showcases an engraving titled “Surrender of General Burgoyne,” capturing the British general’s surrender to American forces. Intricately designed scrollwork frames the central vignette, and bold numerals denote the denomination at the lower corners. “1777” and “1927” flank the top corners to represent the sesquicentennial period.

This example is unused, never hinged, and retains its full original gum on the reverse.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (79)
The design is centered well enough to leave a margin on all four sides, though the top and right margins are narrower than the bottom and left.
All frame lines are clear of the perforations with visible white space.
The overall presentation meets Fine/Very Fine centering criteria.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 79

Soundness Evaluation
Two perforations (one at bottom left and one at top right) appear short—less than half the normal length.
Minor ink offset appears on the back of the stamp.
No thins, creases, or other structural faults observed.
? Soundness Category: Minor Fault (two short perfs + very minor ink transfer)
? Soundness Deduction: –20
? Adjusted Base Grade: 59

Perforations & Margins
Perforations are mostly well-formed, except two noticeably shorter tips.
Margins provide enough clearance from the design for classification as Fine/Very Fine.
The horizontal format makes margin balance more visually demanding, but this example maintains proportionality.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Vibrant carmine red with sharp impression throughout
Overall Appearance Attractive design remains fully visible and balanced
Distractions None from the front; ink transfer on back is minimal
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1 (Color vibrancy offsets minor distractions)

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Centering Grade 79
Soundness Deduction –20
Subtotal 59
Eye Appeal Adjustment +1
Final Grade 60

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 644
Issue 1927 Saratoga Sesquicentennial
Denomination 2¢
Subject Surrender of General Burgoyne
Condition Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (79)
Soundness Minor Fault (2 short perfs + ink offset)
Eye Appeal Slightly Above Average (+1)
Final Grade 60 (Very Good–Fine – VG-F)

? Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #644 is an appealing and collectible piece with strong visual appeal, excellent color, and clear margins. While two short perforations and minor ink transfer detract from perfect soundness, the stamp remains solidly within the Very Good–Fine (VG-F) category, suitable for most quality collections.

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