U. S. Scott #684 - Used - Graded VG/F

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

684

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

XF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1930

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #684 (Used, No Gum – Single Stamp)
Warren G. Harding – 1½¢ Brown, Regular Issue (1925–1931 Series)

Design Overview
Scott #684 is the 1½¢ brown definitive stamp honoring President Warren G. Harding, part of the Fourth Bureau Issue. It features a finely engraved portrait inside an oval frame, flanked by numerals and scrollwork, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” across the top and “CENTS” at the base. Issued in the late 1920s, this rotary press-printed stamp was commonly used for third-class and bulk rate postage.

This specific stamp is used, with no gum (normal for a postally used stamp), never hinged, and shows a black circular grid cancel across the top third of the design. There is a small (approx. 1mm) tear on the bottom edge.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Extremely Fine (93)
The stamp shows nearly perfect centering, just slightly high, with wide, even margins on both sides and bottom.
Perforation holes are well clear of the design on all sides, and the overall balance is excellent.
Fits the PSE criteria for Extremely Fine (93).
? Assigned Centering Grade: 93

Soundness Evaluation
There is a small tear (about 1mm) at the bottom edge, which qualifies as a Fault per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
No thins, creases, or additional defects are visible.
For used stamps, no gum is expected and does not affect grading.
The tear results in a -25 point deduction.
? Soundness Category: Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –25
? Adjusted Base Grade: 68

Perforations & Margins
Perforations: Clean, sharp, and fully intact except at the tear site.
Margins:
Top margin is slightly narrower but still well clear.
Bottom, left, and right margins are broad and well-proportioned.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Warm, rich brown ink with sharp, detailed engraving
Cancellation Moderate black arcs across top half of the stamp
Fault Visibility The tear is visible on close inspection, but not apparent at a glance
Overall Presentation Bright and sharp with a clean appearance from a normal viewing distance
The cancellation is moderate, with black arcs that curve through Harding’s forehead and upper portrait, but leave the face mostly visible.
Following the guideline for used stamps:
Moderate cancel, partially through face but not obliterating
Should be considered “Heavy”, but not "Very Heavy"
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Centering) 93
Soundness Deduction –25
Subtotal 68
Eye Appeal Adjustment –5
Final Grade 63 ✅

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 684
Condition Used (No Gum)
Centering Extremely Fine (93)
Soundness Fault – Small 1mm tear (–25)
Eye Appeal Moderate cancel arcs, does not fully obscure portrait (–5)
Final Grade 63 (Very Good–Fine)

? Final Verdict:
This used Scott #684 is a premium-centered example with strong visual presence. Despite a small tear and moderate face cancel, its crisp impression, balanced layout, and strong color uphold its integrity. With a final grade of 63, it falls in the Very Good–Fine category, representing a solid and collectible example even with its fault.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (546)

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