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

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, Hinged, No Gum)

Design Overview
Scott #205, the 5-cent James Garfield stamp from the 1882 Banknote Issue, showcases an intricately engraved portrait of the 20th U.S. president. The design is framed within an oval with ornate scrollwork and is printed in a dark brown shade. This issue was produced using the American Bank Note Company’s traditional flat plate printing method and was perforated 12.

This particular example features a moderate black cancellation across Garfield’s face. The stamp has a hinge remnant on the back, indicating it was previously affixed to an album or exhibit page. While structurally intact, it possesses minor flaws that affect the final grade.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine - F)
✔ The perforations on one or two sides come very close to the design, yet there is still a visible margin of white space.
✔ The left side is noticeably closer to the perforation than the right, and the top margin appears slightly larger than the bottom.
✔ According to PSE grading guidelines, this centering is classified as Fine (F).

Soundness: Minor Fault (-30 deduction)
? One Short Perf (Less than half normal length): Considered a Very Minor Fault under PSE grading standards.
? Hinge Remnant: Also classified as a Very Minor Fault due to evidence of prior hinging.
? Multiple Very Minor Faults Constitute a Minor Fault: Since this stamp has at least two very minor faults, PSE guidelines categorize it under Minor Fault Soundness (-30 deduction).
? As per the grading scale, a stamp with Fine centering and Minor Fault soundness results in a Good/Very Good (40-49) rating.

Perforations & Margins
✔ Perforation Gauge: 12, consistent with the issue.
✔ Perforations appear largely intact, except for one shorter perf on the bottom margin.
❌ Uneven margins, with left side closer to the design than the right.

Cancellation Classification
? Moderate Black Cancel: While not overpowering, it covers Garfield’s portrait significantly.
? Ink density is medium, slightly reducing visual clarity.
? PSE guidelines classify this as a Heavy Cancel, warranting a deduction for eye appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: (-10 deduction)
? Color & Impression: The dark brown color remains relatively strong, though some wear is visible.
? Cancellation Impact: The moderate black cancel significantly affects the clarity of the design, resulting in a -10 point deduction for eye appeal.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine Centering) 70
Soundness Deduction (Minor Fault) -30
Eye Appeal Deduction (Heavy Cancel) -10
Final Numerical Grade 30 (Good - G)

Final Summary
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 205
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 70 (Fine - F)
Soundness Minor Fault (Short perf, hinge remnant)
Perforations Gauge 12, slight unevenness, one short perf
Cancellation Moderate Black Cancel (-10 Eye Appeal Points)
Eye Appeal -10 deduction due to cancellation covering the design
Final Grade 30 (Good - G)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #205 stamp has Fine centering, but the presence of a short perf, a hinge remnant, and a moderate cancel significantly impacts its final grade. The final numerical grade is 30 (Good - G), making it a lower-grade collectible, mainly suitable as a reference copy or a budget-friendly filler.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (633)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions