U.S. Scott #486 Vertical Pair - MNH - Graded VF

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

486

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Pair

Certificate Grade

80 (VF)

Year of Issue

1918

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #486 (Unused, NH, OG - Vertical Pair)

Design Overview
Scott #486 is a 1-cent green Washington-Franklin stamp, part of the imperforate coil issue that was privately perforated with Type I Schermack perforations. Issued between 1917 and 1921, this stamp was used in vending machines and affixed in strips. The design features an engraved left-facing portrait of George Washington, framed within a laurel wreath. The inscription "U.S. POSTAGE" appears at the top, while the denomination "1 CENT" is displayed at the bottom.

This example is an unused, never hinged vertical pair with original gum.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine - F/VF)
✔ The pair exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering, where the margins are clearly visible to the unaided eye, but one or two sides are slightly narrower.
✔ The left margin appears slightly tighter than the right margin, but the design is still well clear of the perforations.
✔ The minimum margin requirement of approximately 0.4mm is met, keeping it within the Fine/Very Fine range.

Soundness Evaluation
✔ The pair exhibits faultless soundness, with no creases, thins, tears, or significant gum issues.
✔ The perforations are well-defined and intact, which is particularly important for Schermack perforations.

✔ Adjusted Soundness Grade: Faultless (No Deduction)

✔ Final Grade Before Eye Appeal Adjustment: 78 (Fine/Very Fine - F/VF)

Perforations & Margins
✔ This is a privately perforated coil stamp, featuring Type I Schermack perforations.
✔ The perforations are clean and well-cut, though slightly irregular, which is typical for this issue.
✔ The margins are adequate, with the left margin being slightly narrower.

Eye Appeal Evaluation
✔ Color: The green hue is rich and well-preserved, with no fading or discoloration.
✔ Impression: The engraving details remain sharp, particularly in Washington’s portrait and the laurel wreath.
✔ Paper Freshness: The paper appears clean and bright, with no signs of toning or oxidation.

✔ Given the above-average color, sharp impression, and paper freshness, an eye appeal bonus of +3 points is warranted.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine/Very Fine Centering) 78
Soundness Deduction (Faultless) 0
Eye Appeal Bonus (Above-Average Color & Impression) +3
Final Numerical Grade 81 (Very Fine - VF)

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 486
Condition Unused, NH, OG
Centering 78 (Fine/Very Fine - F/VF)
Soundness Faultless (No Deductions)
Perforations Imperforate Coil with Schermack Type I Perforations
Eye Appeal +3 Bonus (Above-Average Color & Impression)
Final Grade 81 (Very Fine - VF)

? Final Verdict:
This unused, never hinged Scott #486 vertical pair receives a Very Fine (81) final grade after applying a +3 eye appeal bonus due to its above-average color, sharp impression, and paper freshness. With no soundness deductions and well-executed Schermack perforations, this example is a superior collectible piece from this issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (552)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Bids
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions