U. S. Scott #179 - Used - Graded Fair (LA01-0007-04-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

179

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 #179 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – Zachary Taylor, 1875
(Banknote Re-Issue of the 1870–71 National Bank Note Issue – Engraved, Hard White Paper, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #179 is a 5¢ blue stamp issued in 1875 as part of the Continental Bank Note Company’s reissue of the earlier National Bank Note series. It features a detailed engraved portrait of President Zachary Taylor in a dark blue oval frame, flanked by scrollwork and framed inscriptions. “U.S. POSTAGE” arcs across the top, with “FIVE 5 CENTS” below the portrait. The stamp was printed on hard white paper and perforated 12, primarily for collectors.

This example is postally used, has no remaining gum, and shows evidence of previous hinging. The design remains vivid, with strong engraving lines and well-defined color, but there are multiple small condition issues that affect its final grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 57 (Very Good)
The design is very slightly cut into or touching the frameline on the left side, with minimal visible margin. The other sides, particularly the right margin, are wider and show clear spacing. Based on the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the minimal margin width of approximately 0.1mm to –0.1mm qualifies this stamp for a Very Good centering grade.

Soundness Evaluation:
The following faults are present:
Very Minor Fault: Natural unpunched perforation (top margin)
Very Minor Fault: Perforation tip crease (lower left)
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer from front design visible on the back
These three very minor faults meet the PSE criteria for the Minor Fault soundness category, as defined by a combination of two or more very minor faults.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –25 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforation Gauge: 12 (correct for issue)
Natural unpunched perforation is visible at the top, but there is no evidence of reperforation or trimming.
Margins are widest on the right and tightest on the left, consistent with the Very Good centering classification.
All other perforation tips are intact.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp is canceled with a bold black circular strike that obscures the majority of Taylor’s face and central design. While the cancel is not ink-heavy throughout, its placement strongly detracts from the visual impact.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 57 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction –25 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 32 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 17 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 179
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 57 (Very Good)
Soundness: Minor Fault (Natural unpunched perf, perf tip crease, ink transfer on back)
Perforations: Perf 12, intact, no evidence of reperforation
Cancellation: Very Heavy, covering face and central design
Eye Appeal: –15 point deduction due to cancel placement
Final Grade: 17 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #179 displays strong color and a complete design, but suffers from Very Good centering, multiple very minor faults, and a heavily obscuring cancel. These factors bring its final numerical grade to 17 (Fair – FR) per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (799)

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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