U. S. Scott #178 - Used - Graded Fair (SD22-0001-04-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

178

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1875

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #178 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Vermilion – Andrew Jackson, 1875
(Bank Note Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 12, No Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #178 is a 2¢ vermilion stamp issued in 1875 as part of the Bank Note series. It features a finely engraved profile portrait of Andrew Jackson facing left, enclosed in an oval frame with ornamental scrollwork. The inscription “U.S. POSTAGE” arches above the portrait, and “TWO CENTS 2” is engraved below.

This example is postally used, previously hinged, and has no original gum. The design is strong, and all perforations are present, but the stamp suffers from significant soundness issues and a visually disruptive cancellation.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is visibly clear of the perforations on all four sides, though the margins are narrower at the bottom and right. It meets the PSE standard for Fine/Very Fine centering, with no frameline touching or intersected by the perforations.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has the following faults:
Heavy crease visible horizontally across the top portion of the back (Major Fault)
Large pinhole located in Jackson’s neck on both sides (Fault)
Two shorter perforations, about half normal length (Extremely Minor Faults)
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the combination of one Major Fault, one standard Fault, and two Extremely Minor Faults results in Major Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on all sides, typical for this issue. All perforations are present and untrimmed, though two are noticeably shorter. The margins vary slightly in width, with the bottom right corner being the narrowest—consistent with the assigned centering grade.

Cancellation Classification:
The black segmented grid cancellation is heavily struck, obliterating a significant portion of Jackson’s portrait and the surrounding design. This qualifies as a Very Heavy Cancel under the 2009 PSE Eye Appeal guidelines.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 32 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 17 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 178
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (heavy crease, pinhole, short perfs)
Perforations: Perf 12, intact, two shortened
Cancellation: Very Heavy, obscuring face and portrait
Eye Appeal: –15 point deduction due to cancellation
Final Grade: 17 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #178 presents respectable centering and an iconic 19th-century design. However, the heavy crease, pinhole, and eye-impacting cancel result in a substantial downgrade. With a final numerical grade of 17 (Fair), the stamp holds value as a filler or reference copy but is far below collector-grade quality.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (723)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Bids
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions