U. S. Scott #147 - Used - Graded FR/G

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

147

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1870

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #147 (Used, No Gum – Single Stamp)
3¢ Green – Washington, 1870 Banknote Issue (National Bank Note Company)
(Second Issue – Unwatermarked, Hard White Wove Paper)

Design Overview:
Scott #147 is the 3¢ green definitive from the 1870 National Bank Note printing of the Large Banknote Series. It features a left-facing portrait of George Washington, engraved within a solid black oval and framed with shaded scrollwork. The denomination “THREE CENTS” appears prominently in a ribbon banner below the portrait.

This stamp is used, hinged, and without gum, which is standard for postally used 19th-century stamps. It retains decent color and good balance, but exhibits a moderate crease and multiple irregular perforations, including short and fuzzy perfs.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The design is well centered vertically with slightly tighter spacing on the left than the right. All four margins remain clear of the design. Based on margin visibility and balance, this stamp qualifies for Fine/Very Fine centering under PSE guidelines.

Soundness: Major Fault (–45 deduction)
? Fault #1: Several ragged, fuzzy, and shorter perforations (particularly along the bottom and left)
? Fault #2: Moderate diagonal crease visible from the back (and very faintly from the front)
These faults constitute a Major Fault classification as defined in the PSE Guide: “two or three faults, or a combination of minor faults,” resulting in a –45 deduction.

Perforations & Margins:
The stamp is fully perforated on all sides, though several perforation teeth are shorter or fuzzy, especially on the bottom edge.
No reperforation or evidence of trimming is seen.
Top and right margins are clean and visually proportional.

Cancellation Classification:
Type: Heavy blue cancel (circular strike)
Location: Across Washington’s face and lower denomination banner
Impact: Blurs facial details and affects legibility of "THREE CENTS"
? Classification: Heavy Cancel
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Factor Description Adjustment
Color & Impression Slight fading present; color is still solid 0
Paper Condition Visible crease and fuzzy perfs –2
Cancellation Impact Heavy blue cancel over central portrait –10
Net Eye Appeal Adjustment –10

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Major Faults) 31
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Heavy cancel, minor fading) –10
Final Numerical Grade 21 (Fair–Good – FR-GD)

Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 147
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Major Fault – Moderate crease; several ragged/short perfs
Perforations Intact, but fuzzy and shortened in multiple areas
Cancellation Heavy blue cancel across portrait (–10 to Eye Appeal)
Eye Appeal –10 total deduction (faded detail, rough edges)
Final Grade 21 (Fair–Good – FR-GD)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #147 exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering and strong overall form for an 1870s issue, but is impacted by a moderate crease, several short and fuzzy perforations, and a heavy blue cancel over the portrait. The resulting Major Fault classification and cancellation downgrade yield a final numerical grade of 21, placing it in the Fair–Good (FR-GD) category under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (766)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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