U. S. Scott #178 - Used - Graded Fair (SL01-0001-07-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

178

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

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
(Banknote Re-Issue of the 1870–71 National Bank Note Issue – Engraved, Hard White Paper, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #178 is a 2¢ vermilion stamp issued in 1875 by the Continental Bank Note Company as part of a reissue set for collectors. The design features a left-facing profile of President Andrew Jackson within a solid vermilion oval frame. “U.S. POSTAGE” appears above the portrait and “TWO 2 CENTS” below. This stamp was printed on hard white paper and perforated 12. Although reissues were not sold for postal use, some are known genuinely used.

This example is postally used and has been previously hinged, with no original gum remaining. It shows signs of wear consistent with postal handling and has a bold cancellation across the central portrait.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The design is nearly touching the perforation holes at the right and bottom sides but maintains the minimum white space of 0.2mm required for Fine centering under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. The left and top margins are wider and provide more generous spacing. While the stamp is off-balance, no part of the design is impinged, and the framing meets the criteria for the Fine grade.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp displays the following physical faults:
Fault: Natural straight edge at left
Minor Fault: Light diagonal crease visible under fluid and angled lighting
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the combination of a fault and a minor fault qualifies the stamp for the Fault soundness category.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –40 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on the top, bottom, and right sides with intact and even perforations. The left side has a natural straight edge, common on sheet-margin positions from this issue. There is no evidence of reperforation or trimming. Margins are narrow on the right and bottom, wider on the top and left, aligning with the centering grade.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a bold black circular cancellation with bars that obscures much of Jackson’s portrait and the central design. This qualifies as a Very Heavy Cancel under the 2009 PSE eye appeal adjustment criteria.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction –40 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 30 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 15 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 178
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 70 (Fine)
Soundness: Fault (Natural Straight Edge + Light Crease)
Perforations: Perf 12, full except for natural straight edge at left
Cancellation: Very Heavy, obscuring portrait and text
Eye Appeal: –15 point deduction due to cancellation severity
Final Grade: 15 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #178 shows classic Fine centering and complete perforations on three sides. However, the presence of a natural straight edge and a visible crease downgrade the stamp’s soundness. Combined with a very heavy cancel across the face, the result is a final grade of 15 (Fair – FR) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (737)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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