U. S. Scott #221 - Used - Graded Fair (NA01-0033-03-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

221

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1890

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #221 (Used – Single Stamp)
3¢ Purple – Thomas Jefferson, 1890
(U.S. Regular Issue – First Bureau Issue, Type I)

Design Overview:
Scott #221, part of the 1890 First Bureau Issue, depicts a left-facing bust of Thomas Jefferson framed by ornate scrollwork. Printed in a strong purple shade, this issue is flat plate-printed on soft paper and perforated 12. Narrow plate spacing often resulted in tight margins.

The example submitted is used and has no gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 54 (Very Good)
The stamp is noticeably off-center, with the left perforations touching or slightly cutting into the design. Top, right, and bottom margins are somewhat more balanced, but the left margin significantly affects the visual symmetry. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this qualifies for Very Good centering (50–59 range).

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits a combination of faults: heavy ink transfer across the back (minor fault) and a hinge remnant still affixed to the back (very minor fault). The combination of these issues qualifies the stamp for the Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
All perforations are intact and original, with no evidence of trimming or reperforation. A few tips appear slightly rough, consistent with normal usage. The perforation holes intrude on the left-side design frame.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a very heavy black cancel that obscures much of Jefferson’s portrait and surrounding frame. According to the 2009 PSE grading standards, this qualifies for a significant deduction in eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points
The very heavy cancel, coupled with the ink transfer on the back, significantly reduces the visual appeal of the stamp.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 54 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 34
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 19 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 221
Condition: Used, No Original Gum
Centering: 54 (Very Good)
Soundness: Fault (heavy ink transfer on back, hinge remnant)
Perforations: Intact, consistent with issue
Cancellation: Very heavy black cancel obscuring much of the design (–15 points)
Eye Appeal: Severely impacted by heavy cancel and reverse ink transfer
Final Grade: 19 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #221 has Very Good centering but is significantly impaired by faults and a very heavy cancel. Ink transfer on the reverse and a hinge remnant further affect its technical quality. These factors result in a final numerical grade of 19 (Fair) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (835)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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