U. S. Scott #698 - Unused - Graded Fine

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

698

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1931

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #698 (Unused, Hinged OG – Single Stamp)
Golden Gate – 20¢ Carmine Rose, 1923 Regular Issue

Design Overview
Scott #698 features a striking illustration of the entrance to the San Francisco Bay, commonly known as the “Golden Gate,” long before the Golden Gate Bridge existed. A majestic tall ship sails into the bay between the headlands, engraved in deep carmine rose. Issued as part of the Fourth Bureau Issue, this design captures the grandeur of America's Pacific coastline and maritime history.

This example is unused, hinged, and retains its original gum.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (79)
Top and right margins are broad and well clear of the design.
Left and bottom margins are slightly narrow, though still fully clear to the unaided eye.
Overall visual balance is good, with a slight lean toward the bottom left.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 79

Soundness Evaluation
Full original gum present.
A hinge remnant is visible (evaluated separately on this issue).
No tears, thins, creases, or surface abrasions.
A slight discoloration is present, classifying as a Very Minor Fault per the PSE 2009 guide.
? Soundness Category: Very Minor Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –7
? Adjusted Base Grade: 72

Perforations & Margins
Perforations: Full, round, and cleanly separated on all four sides.
Margins:
Top: Wide and even
Right: Strong spacing
Left: Noticeably narrower, though still clear
Bottom: Slightly tight, but not crowding the design

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color Rich carmine with excellent saturation, no fading
Impression Sharp and detailed engraving with excellent depth
Gum Appearance Light toning from hinge, but not affecting front; natural OG sheen intact
Overall Look Very fresh and bright appearance, no visual distractions
While the centering is modest, the vibrancy of the color and sharpness of impression enhance the visual presentation.
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Centering) 79
Soundness Deduction –7
Subtotal 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment +2
Final Grade 74 ✅

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 698
Condition Unused, Hinged
Gum Original Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (79)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (slight discoloration)
Eye Appeal Vibrant color, crisp impression
Final Grade 74 (Fine – High End)

? Final Verdict
This Scott #698 – Golden Gate issue shows impressive freshness and depth for its type. The image is bold, the color is rich, and the overall presentation is enhanced by above-average visual quality. The slight discoloration and hinge presence hold the grade slightly below VF, but the final 74 grade places it comfortably in the Fine – High End tier — a very collectible example.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (542)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions