U. S. Scott #188 - Used - Graded Fair

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

188

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 #188 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
10¢ Brown – Thomas Jefferson, 1879
(U.S. Banknote Issue – American Bank Note Co., Soft Paper)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #188 features a left-facing profile of Thomas Jefferson framed in an oval with the inscription "U.S. POSTAGE" above and denomination "TEN CENTS" below. This issue, printed on soft paper by the American Bank Note Company, was released in 1879. Its rich brown engraving and detailed portraiture make it a significant entry in the Banknote series.

The present example is used, showing a moderately applied black grid cancellation. While the core portrait remains recognizable, the condition of the stamp is heavily compromised on the back and lower margin.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The stamp is well clear of the design on all sides, though the bottom margin is narrower than the others.
Framelines remain fully visible, and the stamp meets the minimum margin threshold for a Fine/Very Fine designation under the 2009 PSE guidelines.

? Soundness Evaluation:
Upon inspection of the front and back, the following faults are present:
Fault Level Description
Major Fault Large thin at the top center to left-back area
Major Fault Cut corner (lower left) with loss of paper and margin
Fault Pulled perf (bottom edge, visible below perforation holes)
Extremely Minor Fault Pencil marks visible on reverse side
? Soundness Classification: Severe Fault
This is a textbook Severe Fault example due to the combination of two major faults, one standard fault, and an extremely minor fault, aligning with the PSE's definition for Severe Faults:
"Two or three major faults or combination of other faults" – Grade deduction of –55 points from centering.

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
The lower left corner is visibly clipped, resulting in an incomplete perforation pattern.
One pulled perforation is clearly below the normal depth.
Other perforations are intact but show natural wear due to age and usage.

? Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a black grid cancel across the face of Jefferson’s portrait.
The cancel is moderate in intensity—noticeable but not completely obscuring the subject’s features.
? Eye Appeal Deduction: –10 points
Classified as a Heavy cancel, per the PSE Eye Appeal chart.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Eye Appeal Factor Evaluation Description Adjustment
Color & Impression Fairly strong; no color fading 0
Cancellation Heavy black grid cancel over portrait –10
Overall Visual Cut corner and pulled perf worsen aesthetics
–10 pts

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction –55 (Severe Fault classification)
Base Grade 22
Eye Appeal Adjustment –10 (Heavy cancel)
Final Numerical Grade 12
Adjectival Grade Fair (FR)

? Final Summary:
Attribute Description
Scott Number 188
Condition Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering 77 – Fine/Very Fine
Soundness Severe Fault: Large thin, cut corner, pulled perf, pencil on back
Perforations One pulled perf, clipped corner impacts visual symmetry
Cancellation Heavy black grid cancel obscures part of portrait
Eye Appeal Reduced by faults and cancel (–10)
Final Grade 12 (Fair – FR)

? Final Verdict:
While the stamp retains Fine/Very Fine centering, the presence of severe physical faults—including a large thin, cut lower-left corner, and a pulled perf—seriously compromise its structural integrity and market appeal. A heavy cancel further reduces its visual presentation. The final assigned grade is 12 (Fair – FR), which reflects its collectible but low-value condition tier.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (579)

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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