U. S. Scott #183 - Used - Graded VG/F (LA01-0029-01-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

183

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1879

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #183 (Used, Hinged, No Gum)
2¢ Red Brown – Andrew Jackson, 1879
(1879 American Bank Note Company Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #183 is a 2¢ red brown issue released in 1879 by the American Bank Note Company, marking the company’s first contract series after assuming production from the National Bank Note Company. The stamp features a left-facing portrait of Andrew Jackson framed by an ornate oval scroll design, with “U.S. POSTAGE” inscribed above and the denomination “TWO CENTS” displayed at the bottom. This example is postally used, previously hinged, and retains no original gum. It displays a moderate black cancellation that partially obscures the portrait.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The perforations come very close to the design on one or two sides, yet visible white space of approximately 0.2mm remains. While the margins are uneven, the design is not cut into, qualifying for Fine centering under PSE guidelines.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits a hinge remnant on the reverse, which is classified as a Very Minor Fault. No tears, thins, or significant paper creases are visible.
Soundness Deduction: –5 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations are gauge 12, consistent with this issue. The perforations are intact and generally even, with no pulled or clipped tips. Margins are slightly uneven, with the left margin narrower than the right, and the bottom margin more balanced than the top.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a moderate black circular cancellation with a barred “PO” strike, which partially obscures the portrait of Jackson but leaves much of the surrounding frame visible. This qualifies as a moderate cancel under PSE standards, warranting a minor reduction in eye appeal.

Collector’s Note:
Although lighter cancels are more desirable, this example’s strike is readable and historically interesting, which adds some postal character while reducing visual clarity of the design.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The red brown color is reasonably strong, and the engraved detail is visible but diminished by the cancel. Overall freshness remains acceptable for the issue.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 65
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 (Moderate cancel)
Final Grade: 60 (Very Good–Fine – VG-F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 183
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 70 (Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (hinge remnant)
Perforations: Perf 12, intact and even
Cancellation: Moderate barred circular cancel, partially obscuring portrait
Eye Appeal: –5 adjustment for cancel impact
Final Grade: 60 (Very Good–Fine – VG-F)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #183 displays Fine centering but is reduced by a hinge remnant and a moderate cancel that obscures design clarity. The resulting final grade of Very Good–Fine 60 reflects a collectible yet lower-range example of the American Bank Note Company’s 2¢ Jackson issue under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (827)

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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