U. S. Scott #178 - Used [SL01-0001-06-05]

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
(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 facing left, surrounded by an ornate scroll frame and inscribed with “U.S. POSTAGE” above and “TWO 2 CENTS” below. Printed on grilled paper and perforated 12, it was part of a transitional phase in U.S. stamp production following the earlier National Bank Note issues.

This example is postally used, has been previously hinged, and lacks original gum. Though the central design remains intact and the centering is above average, the back of the stamp reveals a major fault which significantly affects its grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design shows a visibly balanced presentation with full margins on all sides.
The left and bottom margins are slightly narrower but remain clear of the design by at least 0.4 mm.
This stamp fits comfortably within the Fine/Very Fine centering range as defined by the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
Observed Faults Include:
Major Fault: A large brown stain visible at the top of the reverse, affecting multiple perforation tips and soaking into the paper.
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant still attached on the back.
Per PSE criteria, the combination of a Major Fault and a Very Minor Fault results in an overall Major Fault soundness classification.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –45 points
Adjusted Base Grade: 32 (Good)

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 12 on all sides, consistent with the issue.
All perforations appear genuine and intact, with no trimming or reperforation detected.
Margin size and balance correspond to the Fine/Very Fine centering grade.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp has a light black circular date cancellation applied diagonally from upper left to lower right.
While it crosses the portrait, the cancel is not dark or dense, allowing the full image of Jackson and inscriptions to remain visible.
According to the PSE Eye Appeal standards, this qualifies as a Light Cancel, which adds up to +10 points for visual appeal.
Cancellation Classification: Light Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Score
Centering Grade 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction –45
Adjusted Base Grade 32 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment +10
Final Grade 42 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 178
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (large stain); Very Minor Fault (hinge remnant)
Perforations: Perf 12; all intact
Cancellation: Light CDS; mostly clear of central portrait
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +10
Final Grade: 42 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #178 exhibits solid Fine/Very Fine centering and a clean, unobtrusive cancellation, but suffers from a large stain on the reverse and a hinge remnant. These issues place the stamp in the Major Fault category. However, its overall presentation remains attractive, and the light cancel earns a +10 bonus, resulting in a final grade of 42 (Good/Very Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1020)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions