U. S. Scott #179 - Used - Graded Good (SL01-0001-07-06)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

179

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

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 reissue stamp from 1875, engraved and printed by the Continental Bank Note Company on hard white paper. It features a detailed engraved portrait of Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, centered within an oval frame. “U.S. POSTAGE” arches across the top, and “FIVE 5 CENTS” is printed at the base. The 1875 reissues were created for collectors and were not sold for postage, though some are known to have been used.

This example is postally used, has been hinged, and has no remaining original gum. It shows multiple faults, and while the printing remains vivid, overall condition impacts its final grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The design is quite close to the perforation holes on the bottom side, but there is still white space visible to the unaided eye. The top and right margins are wider. The stamp meets the PSE standard for Fine centering—off-center but not impinged and still well clear of the perforations.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp displays the following faults:
Minor Fault: Several perforation tip creases
Very Minor Fault: Natural unpunched perforation (middle left corner)
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant (centered top-back)
These faults constitute a Fault soundness classification per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, as they represent a combination of minor and very minor faults.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –40 points

Perforations and Margins:
Gauge: Perf 12 (correct for issue)
The lower-left perforation is unpunched but naturally so
Several perf tips are lightly creased, especially at top and bottom
All other perforations are intact and untrimmed
Margins are full but narrow on left and bottom sides, consistent with Fine centering

Cancellation Classification:
The cancellation is a soft, diffused black grid cancel across the right side of the design. It does not heavily obscure the portrait and allows the central details to remain clearly visible.
Cancellation Classification: Neat / Clean Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: No deduction

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction –40 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 30 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment 0 (Neat / Clean Cancel)
Final Grade 30 (Good – GD)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 179
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 70 (Fine)
Soundness: Fault (perf tip creases, unpunched perf, hinge remnant)
Perforations: Perf 12, intact except for one natural unpunched hole
Cancellation: Neat grid cancel, not visually disruptive
Eye Appeal: No deduction
Final Grade: 30 (Good – GD)

Final Verdict:
This postally used example of Scott #179 retains a complete impression and clear design features, supported by Fine centering and full perforations. However, a combination of several minor faults—including perf tip creases and a hinge remnant—reduce its grade. Its neat cancellation helps preserve appearance, resulting in a final grade of 30 (Good – GD) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (713)

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