U. S. Scott #213 - Used - Graded G/VG (NA01-0033-01-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

213

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1887

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #213 (Used, Hinged, No Gum)
2¢ Green – George Washington, 1887
(1887 American Bank Note Company Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #213 is part of the American Bank Note Company’s definitive series issued in 1887. The design features a finely engraved left-facing portrait of George Washington in a solid oval frame with intricate linework. “U.S. POSTAGE” is inscribed at the top and “TWO CENTS” at the bottom, flanking the denomination numeral. The stamp was printed in green ink on soft porous paper and perforated 12. This submitted example is postally used, has been hinged, and retains no original gum. Its appearance is affected by staining and light faults.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clear of the perforations, but margins are narrow on the right and bottom. The top margin is the most generous, while the right margin is the narrowest. These proportions are consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering under PSE standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows several condition issues. A small stain is visible on the back, constituting a Fault. Additional very minor faults include a light perforation disc indent, a hinge remnant, and light ink transfer on the reverse. Together these faults fall into the Fault classification per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations are gauge 12, as expected for this issue. They are intact but unevenly balanced with the design. The margins are tight on the right and bottom, more generous on the left and especially at the top, supporting the Fine/Very Fine centering assessment.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a horizontal barred black cancel covering most of the vignette. While bold, it does not completely obliterate the portrait, leaving Washington’s profile visible. This qualifies as a moderate-to-heavy cancel, reducing clarity but not fully obscuring the design.

Collector’s Note:
This type of barred cancel is typical of the late 19th century and reflects the postal use of the issue. While not ideal for eye appeal, it is historically appropriate for this series.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The green color remains solid, but the small stain, light ink transfer, and moderately heavy cancel detract from presentation.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault classification)
Adjusted Base Grade: 48
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 43 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 213
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (small stain, perf indent, hinge remnant, ink transfer)
Perforations: Perf 12, intact but uneven balance with margins
Cancellation: Moderate-to-heavy barred cancel, partially obscuring portrait
Eye Appeal: –5 adjustment for staining, ink transfer, and cancel density
Final Grade: 43 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #213 displays Fine/Very Fine centering but is heavily impacted by multiple soundness issues including staining, perf indent, and hinge remnants. A moderately heavy cancel further reduces eye appeal. Its final grade of Good/Very Good 43 reflects a collectible but lower-grade example of this American Bank Note Company 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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