U. S. Scott #178 - Used - Graded Fair (SL01-0001-06-03)

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
(Continental Bank Note Co. Printing – National Design, Grilled, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #178 is a 2¢ vermilion stamp issued in 1875 by the Continental Bank Note Company. It features a left-facing portrait of President Andrew Jackson within an ornate oval frame, surrounded by intricate lathework and inscriptions reading “U.S. POSTAGE” and “TWO 2 CENTS.” The stamp was printed using a grill and perforated 12, part of the later Banknote series distinguished by the use of brighter vermilion ink.

This particular example is postally used, bears a cancellation over the design, has been hinged, and retains no original gum. Several faults are present, affecting both the back and the perforations, though the front design remains fully intact.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is slightly off-center, with narrower margins on the left and right, though still maintaining at least 0.4 mm of white space.
The top and bottom margins are wider and clearly separated from the design.
Margins meet the PSE’s criteria for Fine/Very Fine, with no encroachment into the design by the perforation holes.

Soundness Evaluation:
The following faults are present:
Major Fault: Large stain visible on the lower left of the reverse.
Fault: Natural straight edge on the right side.
Very Minor Faults:
Three shorter to short perforations (less than half normal length).
Hinge remnant visible on the back.
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the combination of a Major Fault, a Fault, and multiple Very Minor Faults places this stamp firmly in the Major Fault soundness category.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –45 points
Adjusted Base Grade: 33 (Good)

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on all sides.
The right side exhibits a natural straight edge, considered a Fault under the PSE guidelines.
Three perforations (top and lower left) are noticeably short, though not missing.
All remaining perforations are intact, and there is no evidence of trimming or reperforation.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp has a bold barred oval cancellation overlaid with a circular date stamp (CDS).
The cancel is heavy and obscures much of the portrait, including the facial features and part of the lettering.
However, portions of the bust and frame remain visible upon closer inspection, so it does not fully obliterate the design.
Under the 2009 PSE Eye Appeal guidelines, this is best classified as a Very Heavy Cancel, resulting in a moderate eye appeal deduction.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Score
Centering Grade 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction –45
Adjusted Base Grade 33 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15
Final Grade 18 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 178
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (large stain), Fault (natural straight edge), plus very minor faults (short perfs, hinge remnant)
Perforations: Perf 12; one natural straight edge; three short perfs
Cancellation: Very Heavy; design significantly obscured
Eye Appeal Deduction: –15
Final Grade: 18 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #178 benefits from above-average centering and a full, undamaged design. However, it suffers from a large stain, a natural straight edge, three short perforations, a hinge remnant, and a very heavy cancel that obscures the portrait. These combined issues result in a final numerical grade of 18 (Fair) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

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Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

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Worldwide

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