U. S. Scott #183 - Used - Graded Fair

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

183

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1879

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation Report: Scott #183 (Used, Hinged, No Gum) - Heavy Cancel & Major Faults

1. Design Overview
Scott #183 is a 2-cent vermilion stamp issued in 1879 as part of the American Bank Note Company printings. The stamp features a portrait of George Washington, framed by ornate engraving. “U.S. POSTAGE” is inscribed at the top, with “TWO 2 CENTS” at the bottom. This issue was printed on soft porous paper and has perforation gauge 12.

2. Grading Breakdown
A. Centering Assessment
Centering Grade: Very Good (50)
The perforations touch, appear to touch, or very slightly cut into the frameline of the design.
The measured margins range from approximately 0.1mm to -0.1mm, consistent with the Very Good (VG) centering classification.

B. Soundness Evaluation
Faults Present:
Major Fault: Several faulty, clipped, pulled, or short perforations.
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant.

Impact on Grade:
The presence of multiple clipped and short perforations results in a Major Fault classification.
Hinging on used stamps is always classified as a Very Minor Fault but does not further affect the deduction because the Major Fault is the most serious issue.
Per the PSE Grading Guide, a Very Good (50) centered stamp with a Major Fault results in a -33 deduction.

C. Perforations & Margins
Perforation Condition:
Multiple clipped or pulled perforations are present, reducing soundness.
Margin Evaluation:
The margins are narrow, and some perforations cut slightly into the design.

D. Cancellation Classification
Type: Heavy cancellation.
Impact on Grade:
The cancellation obscures a significant portion of the portrait, making finer details difficult to discern.
A heavy cancel warrants a deduction of -10 points per the PSE Eye Appeal Adjustment Guidelines.

3. Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Criteria Value
Centering Grade (Very Good) 50
Soundness Deduction (Major Fault - Faulty Perfs) -33
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Heavy Cancel) -10
Final Grade 7 (Fair - FR)

4. Final Summary
This Scott #183 (Used, Hinged, No Gum) stamp has Very Good (50) centering but suffers from multiple faulty perforations that significantly impact its grade. The Major Fault (clipped, short, and pulled perfs) results in a -33 deduction, while the Heavy Cancellation further lowers the grade by -10 points.

Final Grade: 7 (Fair - FR)

Condition Summary:
Used, Hinged, No Gum (NG)
Major Fault: Multiple faulty, clipped, pulled perfs (-33 points)
Heavy Cancellation (-10 points)
Final Assigned Grade: 7 (Fair - FR), per PSE 2009 Grading Guide

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (557)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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