U. S. Scott #720 - Used - Graded G/VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

720

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1932

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #720 (Used – Single Stamp)
George Washington Regular Issue – 3¢ Purple, 1932 Rotary Press Definitive

Design Overview
Scott #720 is a 3-cent stamp from the Washington Bicentennial definitive series, issued in 1932. It depicts a strong, classic bust portrait of George Washington, framed in a decorative oval cartouche with ornamental scrollwork. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” is inscribed above, with the denomination “3 CENTS” placed in bold numerals in the lower corners, flanking the name “WASHINGTON.”

This example is a used stamp with no original gum.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (77)
The design is clearly off-center vertically, with the top margin appearing narrow while the bottom margin is more generous.
All four margins are present, clear of the design and perforations, qualifying it for the Fine/Very Fine category.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 77

Soundness Evaluation
Gum: No original gum, as expected on a used stamp.
Faults: Multiple ragged/fuzzy perforation tips are evident, particularly along the top edge.
This qualifies as a Fault under the PSE guide.
Based on grading standards, this results in a –30 point deduction from the centering score.
? Soundness Category: Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –30
? Adjusted Base Grade: 47

Perforations & Margins
Perforations:
Several top and right perforation tips are fuzzy and irregular, reducing overall condition and visual precision.
No missing or severely shortened perfs, but ragged edges affect overall quality.

Margins:
Top Margin: Narrow
Bottom Margin: Noticeably wider, providing vertical imbalance
Left and Right Margins: Present but slightly uneven

Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color & Impression Medium purple tone with good contrast; light cancellation does not obscure the design
Cancellation Moderately heavy circular cancel; legible but slightly obscures Washington’s face
Overall Appearance Despite soundness faults and cancellation placement, the stamp retains decent presentation
The ragged perforations slightly detract from the aesthetic, and the moderate cancel on the face reduces clarity.
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Centering) 77
Soundness Deduction –30
Subtotal 47
Eye Appeal Adjustment –5
Final Grade 42 ✅

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 720
Condition Used
Gum No original gum (as expected for used stamp)
Centering Fine/Very Fine (77)
Soundness Fault (Ragged/Fuzzy Perfs)
Eye Appeal Medium tone, moderate face-obscuring cancel
Final Grade 42 (Good–Very Good, Low End)

? Final Verdict:
While this used Scott #720 shows decent centering and retains its full design, the ragged perforations and moderate cancellation over Washington’s face impact both soundness and visual appeal. With a resulting numerical grade of 42, this stamp rates as Good–Very Good, best suited for collectors focusing on completeness rather than condition perfection.

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