U. S. Scott #225 - Used - Graded Good (LA01-0009-03-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

225

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1893

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #225 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
8¢ Violet Brown – William T. Sherman, 1890
(U.S. Regular Issue – First Bureau Issue, Sherman Portrait)

Design Overview:
Scott #225 features a finely engraved portrait of General William Tecumseh Sherman in violet brown. Part of the 1890 First Bureau Issue series, the stamp is distinguished by its detailed engraving, balanced design, and military subject matter. The denomination numerals are placed prominently in the lower corners, with a classical ornamental frame surrounding the portrait.

The example submitted is used, hinged, and has no original gum. A light straight-line cancellation crosses the lower portion of the face without obscuring the portrait.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 52 (Very Good)
The design is notably off-center, with perforations on the left side touching or nearly touching the design. Margins are uneven, and the image skews slightly left-to-right. These characteristics place the stamp within the Very Good centering range (0.1 mm to –0.1 mm margins) according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
Two very minor faults are present: a natural unpunched perforation at the top left and pencil or ink writing on the back (“225#”). According to the 2009 PSE standards, two very minor faults combine to form a Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations are uneven, particularly at the top left where the unpunched perforation is located. The bottom margin touches or cuts into the frameline, consistent with the Very Good centering grade.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp has a light cancel that crosses the lower portion of Sherman’s portrait but does not obscure facial details or inscriptions. This cancel is classified as light and does not affect the grade.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 52 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 32
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 32 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 225
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 52 (Very Good)
Soundness: Minor Fault (natural unpunched perforation, writing on back)
Perforations: Uneven, with unpunched perforation at top left
Cancellation: Light straight-line cancel, no deduction
Eye Appeal: Typical for the issue, no adjustment
Final Grade: 32 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #225 shows Very Good centering, with perforations touching the design on the left and narrow margins on the left and bottom. Two very minor faults—an unpunched perforation and writing on the back—combine to form a Minor Fault classification. With no penalty for the light cancellation, the stamp earns a final grade of 32 (Good) according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (831)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Offers
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions