U. S. Scott #223 - Used [NA01-0033-04-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

223

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 #223 (Used – Single Stamp)
5¢ Chocolate – Ulysses S. Grant, 1890
(U.S. Regular Issue – First Bureau Issue, Type I)

Design Overview:
Scott #223 was issued in 1890 as part of the First Bureau Issue and features a finely engraved bust of President Ulysses S. Grant in a chocolate brown shade. The portrait is framed by classical ornamental scrollwork, characteristic of 19th-century U.S. engraving. The stamp was flat plate printed, perforated 12, and was primarily used for international mail or higher domestic postage rates.

The example submitted is used and has no gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 52 (Very Good)
The design is off-center to the right, with the right perforations nearly touching the oval frame. The left margin is a natural straight edge, while the top and bottom margins are intact but not well balanced. These characteristics place the centering in the Very Good category according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has a natural straight edge on the left side and a moderate diagonal crease visible from the back. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the combination of these two issues qualifies as a Major Fault.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –35 points

Perforations and Margins:
The left side is a natural straight edge with no perforations. The right, top, and bottom sides have full 12-gauge perforations that are intact and original, with no evidence of reperforation or trimming. Slight irregularity at the lower right corner is natural and not considered a fault.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp bears a heavy horizontal black bar cancellation with three thick bars crossing the design. One bar crosses Grant’s forehead and nose, while another obscures the lower portion of the portrait and denomination area. This level of cancellation interference qualifies for a significant deduction.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 52 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –35 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 17
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 7 (Poor – PR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 223
Condition: Used, No Original Gum
Centering: 52 (Very Good)
Soundness: Major Fault (natural straight edge and diagonal crease)
Perforations: Intact on three sides, natural straight edge on left
Cancellation: Heavy black bar cancel obscuring the central portrait
Eye Appeal: –10 points due to heavy cancellation
Final Grade: 7 (Poor – PR)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #223 shows Very Good centering but is significantly impacted by a natural straight edge, a diagonal crease, and a heavy cancellation that obscures the design. These faults collectively result in a final numerical grade of 7 (Poor) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (902)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions