U. S. Scott #178 - Used - Graded G/VG (SL01-0001-07-01)

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. 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 profile bust of Andrew Jackson within an ornate vermilion frame, with inscriptions “U.S. POSTAGE” above and “TWO 2 CENTS” below. Issued on grilled paper and perforated 12, this stamp is part of the late Banknote era and was widely used for domestic letter postage.

This used specimen is hinged and has no original gum. It is complete and displays acceptable centering and general eye appeal, with two very minor faults observed on the back side.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine)
The design is closest to the perforations at the bottom, though white space is still visible without magnification.
The right and top margins are noticeably wider and more even.
The bottom margin is moderately narrow but still shows adequate white space.
The stamp qualifies for a Fine centering grade based on visible margins and balance across the design.

Soundness Evaluation:
Identified Faults Include:
Very Minor Fault: Light dirt smudging or discoloration on the back, not visible from the front.
Very Minor Fault: Corner perf crease at the upper left, minor and not visible from the face.
Per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, two very minor faults result in a Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points
Adjusted Base Grade: 41 (Good/Very Good)

Perforations and Margins:
Fully perforated 12, consistent with the issue.
All perforations are intact, genuine, and untrimmed.
Minor irregularity near the upper left corresponds with the perf crease.

Cancellation Classification:
The circular date stamp reads “MAY 11” and is moderately applied.
It crosses the bottom and left of the portrait but does not heavily obscure any key features or text.
According to PSE standards, this is a Neat / Clean Cancel, resulting in no eye appeal deduction or bonus.
Cancellation Classification: Neat / Clean
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Score
Centering Grade 71 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction –30
Adjusted Base Grade 41 (Good/Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment 0
Final Grade 41 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 178
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 71 (Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (dirt smudging, corner perf crease)
Perforations: Perf 12, all intact
Cancellation: Neat circular date stamp (MAY 11), moderate intensity
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 41 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #178 exhibits solid Fine centering, a neat CDS cancel, and only minor soundness issues that do not detract from its front-facing appearance. The final grade of 41 (Good/Very Good) reflects its overall completeness and respectable presentation despite light back smudging and a minor perf crease.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (711)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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