U. S. Scott #222 - Used - Graded G/VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

222

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1890

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #222 (Used, Hinged, No Gum – Single Stamp)
4¢ Dark Brown – Abraham Lincoln, 1890
(U.S. Regular Issue – First Bureau Printing of Lincoln Portrait)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #222, issued in 1890, features a finely engraved portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. This 4¢ dark brown stamp belongs to the First Bureau Issue and is part of a widely recognized set showcasing American historical figures. The ornate oval frame, numerals in corners, and serifed "FOUR CENTS" inscription add classic appeal.

The presented specimen exhibits a bold, black cancellation that partially obscures Lincoln’s face, but the central design remains mostly legible. The back shows clear evidence of hinging and minor perf issues, which affect its overall soundness.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The design is noticeably off-center with narrow margins, particularly at the top and right.
Perforation holes do not impinge on the design; minimal white space is still visible.
Consistent with the definition of Fine/Very Fine centering for classic issues.

? Soundness Evaluation:
Fault Type Description Classification
Minor Fault Three perf tip creases Minor Fault (–15 pts)
Very Minor Fault Two shorter perfs (about half normal length) Very Minor Fault (–5 pts)
These faults result in a combined -20 point deduction from the centering grade. Hinging is not counted in the grading but is noted for valuation purposes.

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Perforations are intact but show signs of wear.
Three shorter or creased tips are visible under magnification.
Margins vary: wider on the left, significantly narrower on the right and top, consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering.

? Cancellation Classification:
Cancel Type Impact Adjustment
Heavy Cancel Dark black cancel over face/design –10 pts
The cancellation is bold and obscures a significant portion of the portrait, especially over Lincoln's face and lower central text. This warrants a negative adjustment for eye appeal.

?️ Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Factor Effect Points
Heavy Cancellation Design obscured –10
Overall Visual Balance Average 0
Net Eye Appeal –10 pts

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Centering (F/VF) 76
Soundness Deduction –20
Eye Appeal Adjustment –10
Final Numerical Grade 46

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number #222
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Minor Fault + Very Minor Fault (–20)
Perforations Short and creased tips on multiple sides
Cancellation Heavy, partially obscures design
Eye Appeal –10 points (Heavy cancel)
Final Grade 46 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #222 stamp presents solid Fine/Very Fine centering and is visually aligned with expectations for late 19th-century issues. However, the presence of a heavy cancellation, three perf tip creases, and two shorter perforations reduce both eye appeal and soundness. These faults result in a cumulative deduction of 30 points, placing the stamp at a final grade of 46 (Good/Very Good – G/VG) on the PSE numerical grading scale.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (647)

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

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