U. S. Scott #205 - Used - VG Condition

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

Detailed Analysis of Scott #205
Here is the evaluation of the stamp provided, following the PSE grading guidelines:

Design Description
Scott #205, issued in 1882, features a 5-cent portrait of President James A. Garfield. The design includes a finely engraved beaded oval border framing Garfield's profile, with "U.S. POSTAGE" below the star containing the denomination "5 CENTS." The deep brown hue and intricate design make it a classic representation of U.S. stamps from the late 19th century.

Evaluation
1. Centering
Grade: 71 (Fine)
Description:
The stamp is off-center, particularly on the left side, where the margin approaches the perforations. There is still visible white space between the design and the perforations, preventing the frameline from touching. This centering falls under the Fine category.

2. Perforations
Condition:
The perforations are intact and well-formed. There is no evidence of pulled or clipped perfs, and the edges appear clean.

3. Soundness
Condition:
The stamp is structurally sound with no significant faults such as tears, thins, or creases. However:
Back: A hinge remnant is visible, which qualifies as a Very Minor Fault under PSE guidelines.
Front: The design remains intact with no visible flaws.
Soundness Grade Adjustment: A hinge remnant deducts 5 points due to its classification as a Very Minor Fault.

4. Eye Appeal
Condition:
The cancel is moderately heavy, particularly over the center of the design, partially obscuring Garfield's portrait. While the cancel detracts slightly from the stamp's visual appeal, it is neat and does not overwhelm the design.
Adjustment: Based on the PSE Eye Appeal Guidelines, the moderately heavy cancel results in a -10 point adjustment.

Grading Calculation
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine)
Soundness Adjustment: -5 points (Hinge remnant as a Very Minor Fault)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: -10 points (Moderately heavy cancel)
Final Numerical Grade: 56
This places the stamp in the Very Good (VG) category based on PSE Numeric Grading Guidelines.

Final Summary
This is a Scott #205 5-cent James A. Garfield stamp in Very Good (VG) condition:
Centering: Fine (71)
Soundness: A hinge remnant qualifies as a Very Minor Fault, resulting in a small deduction.
Perforations: Intact and well-formed.
Eye Appeal: A moderately heavy cancel partially obscures the design, leading to a minor reduction in visual appeal.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (670)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

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