U. S. Scott #205 - Used - Graded FR

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

205

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1882

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #205 (Used, Never Hinged, No Gum)

Design Overview
Scott #205, the 5-cent James Garfield stamp from the 1882 Banknote Issue, was printed by the American Bank Note Company in dark brown ink. The finely detailed portrait of President Garfield is framed within an oval surrounded by intricate scrollwork. This issue was perforated 12, and it was widely used for domestic and international mail during the late 19th century.

This particular example features a moderately heavy black cancellation in the lower-left region, partially covering the denomination and extending slightly into the portrait. Additionally, the stamp has significant perforation faults, affecting its overall condition.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: 72 (Fine - F)
✔ The perforations on one or two sides come very close to the design, but a margin of white space remains visible.
✔ The top and right margins are slightly larger than the left and bottom.
✔ Under PSE grading guidelines, this qualifies as Fine (F) centering.

Soundness: Major Fault (-45 deduction)
? Several Faulty, Clipped, Pulled, or Short Perfs: The stamp exhibits multiple damaged perforations, which places it under the Major Fault category according to PSE grading guidelines.
? No Hinge Mark: Since the stamp is never hinged, no additional deductions are applied for hinging.
? Final Deduction for Soundness: -45 points, placing the stamp in the Fair/Good (25-29) range.

Perforations & Margins
✔ Perforation Gauge: 12, matching the issue.
❌ Several Faulty Perfs: The left and bottom perforations show clear signs of clipping or damage.
❌ The stamp's perforations are uneven, affecting the structural integrity.

Cancellation Classification
? Moderate to Heavy Black Cancel: The cancellation is fairly dark and affects the lower portion of the design.
? The ink is dense enough to obscure some of the design details but does not entirely overwhelm Garfield’s portrait.
? Under PSE grading guidelines, this falls under Moderate to Heavy Cancel, requiring an eye appeal deduction.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: (-10 deduction)
? Color & Impression: The brown ink remains strong, but the visual appeal is negatively impacted by the perforation faults and cancellation.
? Cancellation Impact: The moderate-heavy cancel partially obscures key design elements, warranting a -10 point deduction for eye appeal.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine Centering) 72
Soundness Deduction (Major Fault) -45
Eye Appeal Deduction (Moderate to Heavy Cancel) -10
Final Numerical Grade 17 (Fair - FR)

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 205
Condition Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering 72 (Fine - F)
Soundness Major Fault (Multiple faulty, clipped, or short perfs)
Perforations Gauge 12, multiple damaged perfs
Cancellation Moderate to Heavy Black Cancel (-10 Eye Appeal Points)
Eye Appeal -10 deduction due to cancellation covering the design
Final Grade 17 (Fair - FR)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #205 stamp has Fine centering, but the multiple clipped and faulty perforations, along with a moderate to heavy cancellation, significantly impact its final grade. The stamp is graded 17 (Fair - FR), making it a very low-grade example, primarily a space-filler with little to no collector value.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (644)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions