U. S. Scott #178 - Used [SL01-0001-06-04]

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 as part of the Continental Bank Note Company printings. The stamp depicts President Andrew Jackson in profile, surrounded by a vermilion oval and frame with intricate detailing. The inscription reads "U.S. POSTAGE" above and "TWO 2 CENTS" below. It is printed on grilled paper and perforated 12, characteristic of the Banknote Era’s robust and varied postal designs.

The example under evaluation is used, has been hinged, and has no remaining original gum. It has multiple significant faults that negatively impact both its structural condition and market appeal.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 62 (Very Good/Fine)
The left margin perforations touch or appear to touch the frameline, placing it firmly in the Very Good category.
The remaining three sides (top, right, bottom) show more balanced spacing and retain white margin space.
Per the 2009 PSE grading definitions, this qualifies as Very Good/Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
The following condition issues are present:
Major Fault: Heavy crease visible from both front and back, bending the paper's structure.
Fault: Several ragged, fuzzy, or short perforations (mostly top and left sides).
Minor Faults:
Tiny tear visible at lower right edge.
Additional short perforation (about half normal length) at lower edge.
This combination of two major faults (heavy crease + tiny tear) and additional minor/perforation issues meets the PSE criteria for a Severe Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Severe Fault
Soundness Deduction: –50 points
Adjusted Base Grade: 12 (Fair)

Perforations and Margins:
Stamp is perforated 12 on all four sides.
Several perforations are ragged, fuzzy, or blunt, with one shorter than normal.
No evidence of reperforation or trimming is present.
Margins are narrow but intact, with one side (left) touching the design.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a black barred elliptical cancel with CDS, covering much of the central portrait and top text.
While heavy, the cancellation does not fully obliterate the design; the portrait outline and denomination remain discernible.
This falls under Very Heavy Cancel by 2009 PSE Eye Appeal standards.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Score
Centering Grade 62 (Very Good/Fine)
Soundness Deduction –50
Adjusted Base Grade 12 (Fair)
Eye Appeal Deduction –15
Final Grade 5 (Poor – PO)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 178
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 62 (Very Good/Fine)
Soundness: Severe Fault (heavy crease, tear, fuzzy perfs, short perf)
Perforations: Perf 12; ragged and short on several sides
Cancellation: Very Heavy; much of the portrait and text obscured
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15
Final Grade: 5 (Poor – PO)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #178 shows acceptable centering but suffers from multiple severe faults, including a heavy crease, tear, and degraded perforations. A very heavy cancel further diminishes visual appeal. Despite being complete and identifiable, its significant faults result in a final grade of 5 (Poor) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (902)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions