U. S. Scott #150 - Used - Graded Good

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

150

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1871

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #150 (Used, No Gum – Single Stamp)
10¢ Brown – Thomas Jefferson, 1870 Banknote Issue
(National Bank Note Company – Second Issue, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #150 features a classical left-facing bust of Thomas Jefferson, framed within a dark brown oval. The denomination “TEN CENTS” appears in a ribbon at the base, with “U.S. POSTAGE” arched at the top. Issued in 1870 as part of the National Bank Note Company's Large Banknote series, it was engraved on hard white wove paper and released without a watermark.

This example is used, has been hinged, and is without gum, which is typical for this period. While the design remains mostly intact, the stamp is impacted by multiple perforation issues and cancellation bleed-through.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The design is slightly off-center toward the top right, but maintains white margins on all sides. No part of the design is impinged by perforations. This earns a solid Fine/Very Fine centering classification under PSE standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
? Fault: Several ragged or fuzzy perforations, particularly along the top left
? Very Minor Fault: One short perf (less than half length)
? Very Minor Fault: Light cancellation bleed-through, visible as darkening on the back
Together, this combination (one Fault + two Very Minor Faults) qualifies as a Fault under PSE guidelines.
? Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations & Margins:
Perforations are intact but irregular, especially along the top and left edges
Several perforation tips appear fuzzy or short, with one (left side) noticeably underdeveloped
Bottom and right margins are more generous and cleanly cut

Cancellation Classification:
Type: Black segmented or circular cancel
Location: Over Jefferson’s face and lower frame
Impact: Cancellation is moderate to heavy, affecting visual clarity but not obliterating the design
? Classification: Heavy Cancel
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Factor Description Adjustment
Color & Impression Strong brown ink and bold design elements +2
Paper Condition Light bleed-through visible on back –2
Cancellation Impact Heavy cancel obscures part of portrait and oval –10
Net Eye Appeal Adjustment –10

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Fault Soundness) 46
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Heavy Cancel, bleed-through) –10
Final Numerical Grade 36 (Good – GD)

Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 150
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Fault – Ragged Perfs, Short Perf, Cancellation Bleed-Through
Perforations Intact but several fuzzy and short; irregular on top/left
Cancellation Heavy, across portrait and central oval
Eye Appeal –10 total (obscures design, minor bleed-through)
Final Grade 36 (Good – GD)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #150 displays Fine/Very Fine centering and bold brown color. However, its condition is diminished by multiple ragged and short perforations, light cancellation bleed-through, and a heavy cancel across Jefferson's portrait. These combine to produce a Fault-level soundness deduction (–30) and –10 for eye appeal, yielding a final numerical grade of 36 (Good – GD) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (633)

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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