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

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

183

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1879

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #183 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Vermilion – Andrew Jackson, 1879
(U.S. Banknote Issue – American Bank Note Co. Soft Paper Printing)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #183 is part of the 1879 American Bank Note Company issues and features a left-facing engraved portrait of President Andrew Jackson within an oval frame in deep vermilion. Issued on soft paper, this stamp was part of a significant transition as production shifted from the Continental Bank Note Co. to the American Bank Note Co.

This example is used, and its visual appeal is moderately diminished by a heavy black cancellation obscuring much of the portrait. The paper and color retain integrity, though obvious wear and structural faults are present upon closer inspection.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The stamp’s margins are narrow but clear of the design on all four sides.
The frameline shifts slightly upward and to the left, making the top and left margins narrower.
Per PSE’s centering guidelines, this qualifies as Fine/Very Fine.

? Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp displays multiple condition issues:
Fault Type Description
Major Fault Large thin in top center area
Fault Small thin in the lower half of the stamp
Minor Fault Two perf tip creases (upper left and upper right corners)
Very Minor Faults - Three shorter perforations (approx. half normal length)
- Corner perf crease (upper right corner)
✅ Soundness Classification: Severe Fault
Per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, a combination of two or more major, minor, and very minor faults qualifies as a Severe Fault.
This severity drops the base grade by 55 points from the centering score.

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Perforations are irregular and fuzzy in several areas, especially the bottom edge.
Three perforation teeth are about half-length, and others show minor fuzzing or blunting.
These issues are factored into the overall soundness deduction.

? Cancellation Classification:
Heavy black cancel, obscuring much of Jackson’s face and surrounding frame.
Per the 2009 PSE Eye Appeal Adjustment Table, this qualifies as Very Heavy Cancellation.
? Deduction: –15 points to reflect diminished visual clarity and appeal.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Eye Appeal Factor Evaluation Detail Adjustment
Color & Paper Average for age; slightly muted but not degraded 0
Cancellation Impact Very Heavy cancel obscuring key design elements –15
Overall Impression Cluttered visual presence due to faults and heavy cancel
–15 pts

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction –55 (Severe Fault classification)
Preliminary Base Grade 22
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15 (Very Heavy cancel)
Final Numerical Grade 7
Adjectival Grade Fair (FR)

? Final Summary:
Attribute Description
Scott Number 183
Year Issued 1879
Condition Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering 77 – Fine/Very Fine
Soundness Severe Fault: large thin, small thin, multiple crease/faults
Perforations Fuzzy edges, three short teeth, and minor crease deformation
Cancellation Very Heavy cancel obscures main design
Eye Appeal Heavily diminished (–15 deduction)
Final Grade 7 (Fair – FR)

? Final Verdict:
Despite Fine/Very Fine centering, this example of Scott #183 is heavily impacted by numerous faults, including a large thin, secondary small thin, multiple crease issues, and short perforations. Additionally, a very heavy cancellation obscures the design. These severe condition issues reduce its appeal and collectible value significantly.

➡️ Final Grade: 7 (Fair – FR) — A structurally compromised example suitable only for filling a space in a specialized collection until a better specimen is found.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (574)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

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No

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