U. S. Scott #178 - Used - Graded Poor (SL01-0001-06-06)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

178

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

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 and printed by the Continental Bank Note Company. It features a profile portrait of President Andrew Jackson, framed within an ornate red-orange oval with “U.S. POSTAGE” inscribed at the top and “TWO 2 CENTS” at the bottom. The stamp was printed on grilled paper and perforated 12, characteristic of late Banknote Era printings.

This used specimen has been hinged, lacks original gum, and exhibits multiple faults along with a dark, heavily obscuring cancel. Despite its condition issues, the stamp remains complete and identifiable, which qualifies it for a minimum grade of 5.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 55 (Very Good)
The perforations on the left and upper sides touch or slightly cut into the design, while the remaining sides have minimal margin clearance.
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this meets the criteria for Very Good centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults Observed Include:
Major Fault: Multiple clipped and pulled perfs, especially along the top and left edges.
Fault: Larger pinhole near the bottom-center of the stamp.
Very Minor Fault: Light cancellation bleed-through visible on the reverse.
This combination places the stamp in the Major Fault soundness category.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –39
Adjusted Base Grade: 16 (Fair)

Perforations and Margins:
Standard 12-gauge perforations.
Several clipped, pulled, or shortened perforations are present along top and left edges.
Remaining sides show genuine but uneven perforations.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a black barred oval with CDS, heavily obscuring the portrait, upper banner, and bottom denomination.
As per PSE guidelines, this qualifies as a Very Heavy Cancel.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Score
Centering Grade 55 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction –39
Adjusted Base Grade 16 (Fair)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15
Calculated Grade 1
Final Assigned Grade 5 (Poor – PR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 178
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 55 (Very Good)
Soundness: Major Fault (perforation damage); Fault (pinhole); Very Minor Fault (cancel bleed-through)
Perforations: Perf 12; multiple clipped/pulled perfs
Cancellation: Very Heavy cancel, obscures main design
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15
Final Grade: 5 (Poor – PR)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #178 shows severe edge wear, a pinhole, and a very heavy cancel that obscures the central design. However, because the stamp remains complete and identifiable, it receives a minimum assignable grade of 5 (Poor) per your grading criteria and PSE guidelines.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (711)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Bids
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions