U. S. Scott #178 - Used - Graded G/VG (SL01-0001-07-02)

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

Design Overview:
Scott #178 is a 2¢ vermilion stamp from the 1875 Continental Bank Note Co. printing, part of the classic U.S. Banknote issues. It features a left-facing bust of President Andrew Jackson enclosed in an ornate oval frame with “U.S. POSTAGE” inscribed at the top and “TWO 2 CENTS” at the bottom. This issue was printed on grilled soft paper and perforated 12, used primarily for domestic letter mail.

The example shown here is a postally used, hinged stamp without original gum. The printing impression is strong and margins are clear, though the stamp suffers from a heavy cancel.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine)
The stamp has narrow margins at the left and bottom, but white space remains visible on all four sides.
The top and right margins are broader and better balanced.
No perforations impinge on the design.
This meets the criteria for Fine centering as defined in the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
One perf tip crease is visible near the upper left.
No tears, thins, creases across the design, stains, or other structural defects are present.
The rest of the stamp is sound, including intact perforations and no hinge remnants or gum disturbance.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –10 points
Adjusted Base Grade: 61 (Very Good/Fine)

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is fully perforated 12 on all sides, with clean, genuine perforation tips.
There is no trimming or reperforation.
Perforations are intact despite the one tip crease.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a very dark black oval killer cancel that completely obscures the portrait of Jackson and part of the top and bottom inscriptions.
This qualifies as an Obliterated Cancel according to the 2009 PSE Eye Appeal guidelines.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –20 points
Cancellation Classification: Obliterated

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Score
Centering Grade 71 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction –10 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 61 (VG/F)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –20 (Obliterated)
Final Grade 41 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 178
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 71 (Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (perf tip crease)
Perforations: Perf 12, intact and genuine
Cancellation: Obliterated (completely obscures portrait and inscriptions)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –20
Final Grade: 41 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #178 exhibits Fine centering and is structurally nearly faultless, save for a very minor perf tip crease. Unfortunately, the extremely heavy cancel fully obscures the stamp’s design, resulting in a significant deduction for eye appeal. Based on the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final grade is 41 (Good/Very Good – G/VG).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (714)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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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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