U. S. Scott #114 - Used - Graded FR/G (LA01-0005-03-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

114

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1869

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #114 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Ultramarine – Locomotive, 1869
(1869 Pictorial Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 12, G Grill)

Design Overview:
Scott #114 was issued in 1869 as part of the landmark Pictorial Issue, the first United States series to feature diverse imagery beyond portraits of statesmen. The 3¢ design depicts a steam locomotive in ultramarine blue, representing technological progress and the importance of the railroad to post–Civil War America. Intricate scrollwork frames the vignette with inscriptions “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” above and “THREE CENTS” below. This submitted example is used, has never been hinged, and shows no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 33 (Good)
The perforations cut into the design, particularly along the bottom where portions of the locomotive are lost. The top margin is the widest, while the right margin is narrower than the left. By PSE standards this qualifies as Good centering, defined as perforations cutting at least 0.2mm into the frameline or design.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp has a corner perforation crease and a hinge remnant on the reverse. These constitute two very minor faults which together fall under the Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 as expected for the issue. While all perforations remain intact, they are uneven and cut well into the design on multiple sides. The margins are narrow overall, with the bottom margin being the narrowest and the top margin the widest.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black grid cancellation that is heavy and affects the locomotive vignette. While the cancel is not completely obliterating, it does obscure significant portions of the design and is classified as a Heavy Cancel under PSE guidelines.

Collector’s Note:
Lighter cancels are preferred for this issue. The heavy grid cancel reduces visual balance but leaves the main subject recognizable.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The ultramarine color remains strong, but the heavy cancel detracts from overall visual presentation.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 33 (Good)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 23
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 20 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 114
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 33 (Good)
Soundness: Minor Fault (corner perf crease, hinge remnant)
Perforations: Perf 12, uneven, cutting into design
Cancellation: Heavy grid cancel across vignette
Eye Appeal: –5 adjustment for cancellation heaviness
Final Grade: 20 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #114 from the 1869 Pictorial Issue shows the iconic locomotive design but suffers from poor centering, multiple encroachments into the vignette, minor structural faults, and a heavy cancel. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide it receives a final grade of Fair/Good 20. It remains a collectible representative of this historic issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (779)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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