U. S. Scott #158 - Used - Graded Fair (LA01-0007-01-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

158

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1873

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #158 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Green – George Washington, 1873
(Bank Note Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 12, No Watermark)

Design Overview
Scott #158 was issued in 1873 as part of the Continental Bank Note Company’s definitive Bank Note series. The stamp features a left-facing portrait of George Washington framed by ornate classical scrollwork. The denomination “THREE CENTS” is printed at the bottom, and “U.S. POSTAGE” appears at the top. These stamps were printed by engraving (intaglio) on unwatermarked paper and perforated 12 on all four sides.

This example is postally used, has never been hinged, and shows no remaining original gum. While the centering is better than average, a significant physical fault and a very heavy cancellation impact its final evaluation.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is visibly clear of the perforations on all four sides, meeting the standard for Fine/Very Fine centering. The top and left margins are narrower than the bottom and right, producing a slight visual imbalance. However, the stamp retains sufficient margin width (~0.4 mm) on all sides.

Soundness Evaluation
Fault Description Classification
Large tear (top) Major Fault
The stamp exhibits a large tear extending downward from the top margin into the design. No other faults—such as thins, creases, or repairs—are observed. The remainder of the paper and gum show no defects.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins
The stamp is correctly perforated 12 on all sides. The perforations are mostly intact with no signs of trimming or reperforation. One area of minor disruption is present near the tear, but all other perforation rows appear genuine and consistent. Margins vary in width but remain within Fine/Very Fine tolerances.

Cancellation Classification
The stamp bears a very heavy segmented geometric cancellation in black ink. The cancel obscures the central portrait of Washington and intrudes into both upper corners. The cancellation severely impacts the stamp's visual clarity and is classified as Very Heavy under PSE guidelines.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score / Deduction
Centering Grade 76
Soundness Deduction –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 31 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 16 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 158
Condition Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Major Fault (large tear)
Perforations Perf 12, intact except near tear
Cancellation Very Heavy (obscures portrait)
Eye Appeal –15 adjustment
Final Grade 16 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict
This used, never hinged example of Scott #158 features desirable centering and complete design framing. However, a large tear at the top and a very heavy cancellation that obscures Washington’s portrait significantly lower the grade. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the stamp receives a final grade of 16 (Fair – FR) and is most appropriate as a reference or filler copy.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (738)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions