U. S. Scott #147 - Used - Graded G/VG (SL01-0001-05-02)

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, Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Green – George Washington, 1870
(U.S. Bank Note Issue – National Bank Note Company, Engraved Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #147, issued in 1870, was printed by the National Bank Note Company as part of the first Bank Note issue. The stamp features a left-facing portrait of George Washington inside an oval frame with ornamental flourishes. The words “U.S. POSTAGE” appear at the top, and the denomination “THREE 3 CENTS” is inscribed at the bottom. This example is used, hinged, and no longer retains original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clear of the perforations on all sides, with the left margin the narrowest and the right margin the widest. The bottom margin is slightly tighter than the top. This falls into Fine/Very Fine centering under the PSE scale.

Soundness Evaluation:
The following faults are present:
Minor Fault: Small corner crease
Very Minor Fault: Corner perf crease
Extremely Minor Fault: One shorter perf, about half normal length
This combination qualifies as a Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations are intact with one noticeably shorter tip and a crease at a corner perforation. Margins remain consistent with the Fine/Very Fine centering grade, though slightly imbalanced side-to-side.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a diagonal black barred cancel that is moderately heavy, crossing Washington’s face and oval frame. This qualifies as a Heavy Cancel under PSE standards and reduces eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Collector Desirability Note:
Although classified as a Heavy Cancel, barred strikes of this type are relatively clean and visually distinct compared to smudged obliterations. While they reduce the grade numerically, collectors of Bank Note cancels may find this style more desirable than diffuse or indistinct cancels.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 47 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 147
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: Fine/Very Fine (77)
Soundness: Minor Fault (corner crease, corner perf crease, short perf)
Perforations: Intact, slightly irregular with one short tip
Cancellation: Heavy barred cancel (–10); neat, distinct strike
Eye Appeal: –10 deduction
Final Grade: 47 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged Scott #147 shows Fine/Very Fine centering with adequate margins. Several minor perf- and corner-related faults reduce the soundness, and a heavy barred cancel obscures much of the portrait, resulting in a further deduction. The final numerical grade of 47 (Good/Very Good) reflects the balance of centering, faults, and cancellation under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (854)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions