U. S. Scott #183 - Used - Graded FR (SL01-0001-01-04)

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 – Scott #183 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Vermilion – Andrew Jackson, 1879
(U.S. Bank Note Issue – American Bank Note Company Printing)

?️ Design Overview
This classic issue features a finely engraved portrait of Andrew Jackson in profile, rendered in vivid vermilion red. The curved “U.S. POSTAGE” label arches across the top, with “TWO CENTS” at the bottom in ornate scrollwork. Issued by the American Bank Note Company in 1879, Scott #183 reflects the elegance and technical precision of the Bank Note era and remains a collector favorite among 19th-century definitive issues.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Very Good/Fine (60)
Top Margin: Narrow but clear
Left Margin: Design touched by perforations
Bottom & Right Margins: Slightly fuller, fairly even
Overall Framing: Off-center slightly to the left, with one margin crowding the frame
? Assigned Centering Grade: 60

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: No gum (used – not a fault)
Hinging: Hinge remnant visible on back
Other Issues:
Fault: Multiple ragged, fuzzy, and shorter perforations, notably along the top and left edges
Very Minor Fault: Light cancellation bleed-through
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant present
? Fault Classification:
1 Fault
2 Very Minor Faults → Combined Soundness = Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –35
? Adjusted Base Grade: 25

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforation Quality:
Uneven, rough around edges
Multiple short or fuzzy perforations, especially top-left quadrant
Margins:
Frameline touched on the left side
Bottom and right margins are acceptable
Design remains mostly intact

? Cancellation Evaluation
Type: Heavy black vertical bar cancel + partial circular town cancel
Coverage:
Three dark vertical bars obscure most of Jackson’s face and bust
Circular cancel crosses “TWO CENTS” at bottom
Obscuration: Significant loss of visual clarity in central image
? Cancellation Classification: Heavy
? Impact: Major focal points (portrait and denomination) are obscured

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment Impact
Color Strong vermilion tone remains +1
Impression Engraving holds detail despite cancellation +1
Freshness Aged but no major discoloration or toning 0
Balance Mild leftward shift; still stable visually 0
Visible Faults Ragged perfs and heavy cancellation –10
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –8

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering Grade 60
Soundness Deduction –35
Subtotal 25
Eye Appeal Adjustment –8
Final Grade 17 ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 183
Format Single Stamp
Condition Used, Never Hinged
Gum No Gum (used – not a fault)
Centering Very Good/Fine (60)
Soundness Fault – Ragged perfs, hinge remnant, bleed-through
Eye Appeal –8 – Heavy cancel obscures key design elements
Final Grade 17 (Fair) ✅

? Final Verdict
This example of Scott #183 carries historical charm but falls short in condition. While the color and engraving are reasonably well preserved, it is heavily marred by ragged perforations, a hinge remnant, cancel bleed-through, and a heavy face-obscuring cancel. With a final numerical grade of 17 (Fair), it is most suitable for study, reference, or as a budget placeholder in a classic U.S. collection.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (941)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions