U. S. Scott #158 - Used - Graded Fair (NA01-0025-02-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

158

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1873

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #158 (Used, 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. It features a finely engraved portrait of George Washington in left-facing profile within an ornate frame, with “U.S. POSTAGE” inscribed at the top and “THREE CENTS” at the bottom. These stamps were printed by engraving on unwatermarked paper and are perforated 12 on all sides.

This example is postally used, has been hinged, and has no remaining original gum. The stamp retains full design elements, but its overall grade is affected by structural faults and cancellation.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: 53 (Very Good)
The design is clearly visible but the perforations touch or very slightly impinge upon the frameline on the left and bottom margins. Margin widths in these areas approach the minimum tolerances (approximately 0.1 mm), consistent with a Very Good centering classification under the 2009 PSE scale.

Soundness Evaluation
Fault Description Classification
Small tear (approx. 1 mm) Fault
Moderate crease Fault
The stamp exhibits two faults: a small tear along the lower edge and a moderate crease extending across the design. These combine to meet the criteria for a Major Fault, defined as two or more faults or a combination of minor and moderate faults.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins
The stamp is perforated 12 on all four sides. The perforation holes appear genuine, and no signs of reperforation or trimming are present. The left and bottom margins are narrow and touch the design, but this aligns with the centering grade. No irregular or fuzzy perforations are observed.

Cancellation Classification
The stamp bears a heavy black circular grid cancel which crosses the face of Washington. The cancel obscures a significant portion of the portrait and upper text but does not completely obliterate the design. This meets the criteria for a Heavy Cancel under PSE eye appeal standards.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score / Deduction
Centering Grade 53 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction –30 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 23 (Fair/Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 13 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 158
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 53 (Very Good)
Soundness Major Fault (tear and crease)
Perforations Perf 12, genuine and intact
Cancellation Heavy (obscures portrait)
Eye Appeal –10 adjustment
Final Grade 13 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict
This used, hinged example of Scott #158 features complete design elements with Very Good centering. However, its value and grade are significantly impacted by the presence of a small tear, a moderate crease, and a heavy cancellation across the portrait. As a result, the stamp receives a final grade of 13 (Fair – FR) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide and is most appropriate as a filler or reference copy.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (714)

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