U. S. Scott #178 - Used - Graded FR/G (NA01-0025-05-01)

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
(Continental Bank Note Co. – Bank Note Issue, Engraved, Perf 12)

Design Overview
This stamp features a finely engraved left-facing profile of President Andrew Jackson, set within an ornate oval frame and printed in a vibrant vermilion hue. The upper arch reads "U.S. POSTAGE," while the bottom scroll displays the denomination "TWO 2 CENTS." Issued in 1875 by the Continental Bank Note Company, it is part of the Bank Note series with no watermark and is perforated 12 on all sides.

This specimen is postally used, bears a bold segmented grid cancel, and shows evidence of hinging with no original gum on the reverse.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The stamp shows close margins on the left and right, with the design approaching the perforations.
White space remains visible to the unaided eye on all sides.
Centering meets the criteria for Fine (70) under PSE guidelines.

Soundness Evaluation
Fault Description Classification
Light diagonal crease (visible near lower half) Minor Fault
Pencil mark “5” at lower left back corner Extremely Minor Fault
The combination of a light crease and pencil notation on the back elevates the total fault classification to Minor Fault, consistent with two or more minor/extremely minor faults.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations & Margins
The stamp is perforated 12 and all perforations are intact and genuine.
No signs of trimming, reperforation, or unusual wear.
The design is complete, though slightly tight in horizontal spacing.
Cancellation Classification
A bold segmented quartered cork cancel covers much of Jackson's portrait.
The cancel obscures a significant portion of the face and lettering, which meets the PSE definition of Very Heavy Cancel.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score / Deduction
Centering Grade 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction –30 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 40 (Good/Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 25 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 178
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 70 (Fine)
Soundness Minor Fault (crease, pencil on back)
Perforations Genuine, intact Perf 12
Cancellation Very Heavy (face heavily obscured)
Eye Appeal –15 deduction
Final Grade 25 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict
This used example of Scott #178 displays decent Fine centering and retains its original color and structure. However, a light crease, pencil writing on the back, and a heavily obscuring cancel reduce its overall visual appeal and structural soundness. As a result, the stamp receives a final grade of 25 (Fair/Good – FR/G).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (721)

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

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