U. S. Scott #834 - MNH - F/VF Condition

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

834

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

75 (F/VF)

Year of Issue

1938

Item Description

Detailed Analysis of the Stamp (Scott #834)

Design Description

Front: The stamp features a profile portrait of Calvin Coolidge, facing right, set against a white background with intricate engraving. The text "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" is at the top, with "CALVIN COOLIDGE 1923-1929" below the portrait. The denomination "$5" is displayed prominently at the bottom corners, with large numerals on both sides of the text.

Back: The back of the stamp shows original gum, confirming it is mint and never hinged. The gum is intact, but the stamp is noticeably off-center.

Soundness
Condition: The stamp is in good condition with no major flaws such as tears, creases, or stains. There is a minor natural gum bend, which is considered a very minor fault in philatelic grading.
Grade: Very Minor Fault (80).

Centering
Observation: The stamp is noticeably off-center, with the design significantly closer to the edge on one or two sides. However, there is still white space between the frameline and the perforations, which keeps it within the Fine/Very Fine range.
Grade: Fine/Very Fine (78).

Perforations
Observation: The perforations are clean, uniform, and intact, with no signs of re-perforation or missing perfs, contributing positively to the stamp's overall presentation.

Eye Appeal
Observation: The stamp has strong color and a clear impression, which enhances its visual appeal. Despite the off-centering and the minor gum bend, the stamp presents well. A small bonus for eye appeal is appropriate due to the overall strong color and design.
Grade: Bonus +2 points.

Final Numerical Grade

Taking into account the centering, soundness, and eye appeal:
Base Grade: 78 (Centering: Fine/Very Fine).
Soundness Adjustment: 78 - 5 points due to the Very Minor Fault (natural gum bend) = 73.
Eye Appeal Bonus: +2 points.

Final Numerical Grade: 75 (Fine/Very Fine).

Summary:
Soundness Grade: Very Minor Fault (80) due to natural gum bend
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (78)
Perforations: Clean and intact
Eye Appeal: Bonus +2 points for strong color and impression
Final Numerical Grade: 75 (Fine/Very Fine)

This final grade of 75 reflects the balance between the stamp's minor gum bend, off-centering, and overall aesthetic quality, placing it in the Fine/Very Fine (F-VF) category.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (328)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

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