U. S. Scott #178 - Used - Graded Good (LA01-0007-04-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

178

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

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
(Bank Note Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 12, Hard White Paper)

Design Overview
Scott #178, issued in 1875 by the Continental Bank Note Company, portrays President Andrew Jackson in profile facing left, surrounded by a heavy engraved oval frame. The vermilion ink color and fine engraving help distinguish this from earlier soft-paper issues. “U.S. POSTAGE” is printed above the portrait and “TWO 2 CENTS” below in ribbon-style scrolls. This stamp was printed on hard white paper, with perforations gauging 12 on all sides.

This example is a used, hinged stamp with no original gum. It is well-centered with a bold postmark but exhibits structural faults and visible flaws.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clear of perforations on all sides.
One margin (right side) is noticeably narrow.
All other margins are full and well-spaced, meeting the standard for Fine/Very Fine centering under the 2009 PSE grading scale.

Soundness Evaluation
Fault Description Classification
Moderate crease (horizontal, near top) Fault
Light cancel bleed-through (visible on back) Very Minor Fault
One shorter perf (about half normal length) Extremely Minor Fault
These three issues represent a combination of fault types, including one primary Fault and two lesser flaws, which qualifies under the PSE guide as Fault Soundness.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins
The stamp is perforated 12 on all sides.
All perforations appear genuine and intact, though one (top right) is slightly shorter than normal.
The design is clearly separated from the perforation holes on all sides.
Margins are tight on the right and generous elsewhere, matching Fine/Very Fine criteria.

Cancellation Classification
A strong black segmented circular grid cancel crosses the face of Jackson and drops vertically over the oval frame. The cancel significantly obscures parts of the portrait and inscriptions, but enough of the design remains discernible for identification.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score / Deduction
Centering Grade 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 48 (Good/Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 38 (Good – G)

Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 178
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Fault (crease, cancel bleed-through, short perf)
Perforations Perf 12, one short tip, otherwise sound
Cancellation Heavy (bold, obscuring parts of portrait)
Eye Appeal –10 adjustment
Final Grade 38 (Good – G)

Final Verdict
This used and hinged specimen of Scott #178 features respectable centering and bold detail, though it is weighed down by a horizontal crease and moderate visual obstructions from cancellation and perf wear. Despite these faults, the stamp remains a desirable example of the 1875 hard paper Bank Note series and earns a final grade of 38 (Good – G) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (721)

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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