Grading Opinion US Scott #425

I was trying to grade my 2c Washington, Scott #425.
I would like another collectors opinion as wo see if I am placing to high of grade for this issue. I have looped and made several scans and the only faults I can locate is the small stain along the left margin. There are no thins, creases or tears that I was able to locate. The perfs seem to be perfect with no short or pulled perforations. The centering is almost numerically perfect and my final observation regarding the cancel, very light not effecting the appearance of the stamp.

I would say this #425 could range as a Superb-Gem quality stamp.

Can someone offer their opinion regarding my assessment?

From the PSE site.

"The stamp is examined for creases, thins, color fading, toning spots/stains, tears and reperforation or other alterations."

The stain is considered a fault.

"As our experience with grading has evolved, it turns out that such faults affect the appeal and marketability of an otherwise 98 or 100 grade stamp
more than that of an otherwise faulty 30 or 50 grade stamp."

So yes, it is an Extra fine stamp with excellent centering, but for grading purposes the stain would hurt it a lot. I have no clue as to what it might grade out at. IMHO grading should be left for Stamps pre 1900.

Here is the link to the PSE grading criteria.

http://www.psestamp.com/pdf/2009_Gr...e_092009.pdf

Is that mark in the "A" in "POSTAGE" on the stamp or from the scanner?

The dark spot in the "A" of postage looks to be in the paper.

I wouldn't even consider submitting an earlier stamp as this for grading,Just looking for opinions.

You might be able to soak the stain out in a cool water bath - it's good looking. If you can get the stain out, and if it were my stamp, I'd have it graded (but that's just me).

Matt

The cost to have it graded by PSE is minimum $27. It costs more than the stamp is worth, and that's if you can get the stain out.

If I didn't already have a very nice 425, I'd give you $10 for it, assuming it's sound. I know others view things differently, and would never pay so much for a "common" stamp, but it's so hard to find a well centered stamp from among the gazillions of average centered examples. Here's my 425.

Matt

Matt,

That's a really great looking example of #425

Thanks. If you look for these kinds of stamps you know how hard they can be to come by.

I really admire your 425. If the little stain soaks out, I think you really have something there.

HE SHOTS, HE SCORES!

Just scooped up this beautiful pair of Scott# 406!

Congrats! That's a nice looking pair.

Thanks Matt