U. S. Scott #178 - Used - Graded G/VG (SL01-0001-06-02)

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
(1875 Continental Bank Note Printing – National Bank Note Design, Grilled, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #178 is a 2¢ vermilion stamp featuring a profile portrait of Andrew Jackson, printed by the Continental Bank Note Company in 1875. This stamp reused the earlier National Bank Note Company design but was issued with a grill and is distinguishable by paper and ink characteristics. The vibrant red-orange (vermilion) tone was characteristic of the Continental printing. It was used for everyday letter postage and is a key type in Banknote-era philately.

This example is postally used, previously hinged, and no longer retains original gum. While it remains visually complete, several minor issues impact condition and appearance.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine)
The design is close to the perforation tips on the left and bottom, with a narrow but visually measurable white margin.
Margins are slightly wider on the right and top.
There is no encroachment into the design, and visible white space remains across all edges, consistent with Fine centering under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The following condition issues are present:
Very Minor Fault: Corner perf crease (lower left)
Extremely Minor Fault: One shorter perf, about half normal length (upper edge)
These minor and extremely minor issues result in a Very Minor Fault classification. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, Fine centering with a Very Minor Fault results in a combined grade within the Very Good–Fine (VG–F) category, typically scored as 60–64. Based on prior grading precedent and user preference:
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –10 points
Adjusted Base Grade: 61 (VG–F)

Perforations and Margins:
Standard gauge 12 perforations on all four sides.
All perforation holes are intact.
One perf on the upper edge is shorter than normal (about half-length).
No signs of trimming, reperforation, or major irregularities.
The margins meet the "Fine" grade requirement, with slight imbalance toward the bottom-left.

Cancellation Classification:
The cancellation is black, moderately heavy, and affects the portrait and central oval but does not obliterate the entire design.
The cancel crosses diagonally across Jackson’s face, making key design elements partially obscured.
Based on the 2009 PSE Eye Appeal Guidelines, this qualifies as a Very Heavy Cancel.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Points
Centering Grade 71 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction –10
Adjusted Base Grade 61 (VG–F)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15
Final Grade 46 (Good–Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 178
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 71 (Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (corner perf crease, short perf)
Perforations: Full, with one shorter perf (Extremely Minor Fault)
Cancellation: Very Heavy, obscures central portrait
Eye Appeal Deduction: –15 points
Final Grade: 46 (Good–Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #178 exhibits Fine centering with a slightly imbalanced margin distribution. A corner perf crease and shorter perf are present, qualifying it for a Very Minor Fault deduction. A very heavy cancellation significantly obscures the portrait, leading to a further downgrade in visual appeal. The final assigned grade is 46 (Good–Very Good – G/VG) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (722)

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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