U. S. Scott #220 - Used - Graded FR/G

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

220

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1890

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #220 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – George Washington, 1890–93 Regular Issue
(U.S. Regular Issue – American Bank Note Co., Soft Paper)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #220 features a left-facing portrait of George Washington, engraved in carmine red and surrounded by a fine oval frame with ornate corner scrolls. It was printed on soft paper and issued as part of the 1890–1893 American Bank Note Company regular issues.

This example is used, hinged, and has no original gum. The stamp shows structural and visual impairments that significantly reduce its condition rating.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The left margin is very narrow, and nearly touches the design.
All other margins remain within acceptable range.
Margins meet the minimum visible white space requirement (approx. 0.2mm), placing it squarely within Fine centering per PSE’s standards.

? Soundness Evaluation:
Fault Level Description
Major Fault Large tear, visible from upper back, running vertically downward
Fault Natural straight edge (right side), with no perforations
Very Minor Fault Unpunched perforation disc (upper left, small blind perf)
✅ Soundness Classification: Major Fault
According to the PSE Soundness Table, a large tear combined with a straight edge and a blind perf results in a net soundness classification of Major Fault.
This corresponds to a –45 point deduction from the centering grade, resulting in a base grade in the Fair/Good (25–29) range.

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Right edge is a natural straight edge with no perforations.
Top left corner shows a blind perf (unpunched perforation).
Remaining perfs are mostly intact but uneven in spacing.

? Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a horizontal black grid cancel, neatly applied.
The cancel crosses the lower half of the portrait but does not obscure Washington’s face.
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2 points

Since the cancel is neat and positioned low, per PSE standards, it contributes +2 points to eye appeal.
?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Eye Appeal Factor Description Adjustment
Color & Impression Strong carmine, well-inked impression 0
Cancellation Neat black grid cancel, face-free +2
+2 pts

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction –45 (Major Fault classification)
Base Grade 25
Eye Appeal Adjustment +2 (Neat cancel)
Final Numerical Grade 27
Adjectival Grade Fair–Good (FR–GD)

? Final Summary:
Attribute Evaluation
Scott Number 220
Condition Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering 70 – Fine
Soundness Major Fault: Large tear; Fault: Natural straight edge; EMF: Blind perf
Perforations Right edge straight, one unpunched perf disc, other perfs uneven
Cancellation Neat black cancel, face-free (+2 points)
Final Grade 27 (Fair–Good – FR–GD)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #220 maintains acceptable Fine centering, but is significantly downgraded due to a large tear, a natural straight edge, and a blind perf, placing it in the Fair–Good range. A well-placed cancel provides a small eye appeal bonus, resulting in a final grade of 27 (Fair–Good – FR–GD).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (673)

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

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