U. S. Scott #225 - Used - Graded Good

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, No Gum – Single Stamp)
8¢ Violet Brown – Sherman, 1890
(U.S. Regular Issue – First Bureau Issue, William T. Sherman Portrait)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #225 features a portrait of General William Tecumseh Sherman in violet brown. Part of the 1890 First Bureau Issue series, the stamp is characterized by its classic engraving and military subject matter. This used example has a low, straight-line cancellation across the face and bold denomination numerals in the bottom corners.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 52 (Very Good – VG)
Perforation holes on the left side appear to touch or nearly touch the design.
Uneven margins and mild skew left-right.
Qualifies for the Very Good range based on PSE definitions (0.1mm to –0.1mm margins).

? Soundness Evaluation:
Fault Type Description Classification
Very Minor Fault Natural unpunched perforation (top left) Very Minor Fault (–5 pts)
Very Minor Fault Ink/pencil writing on back (“225#”) Very Minor Fault (–5 pts)
Two very minor faults are present, which by PSE grading convention, combine to form a Minor Fault classification. Total deduction: –20 points from the centering grade.

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Uneven perforations, especially at the top left corner.
Natural unpunched perforation visible.
Bottom margin touches or cuts into the frameline—consistent with VG centering.

? Cancellation Classification:
Cancel Type Impact Adjustment
Light Lower facial area, does not obscure face 0
The cancellation crosses the lower part of the portrait and leaves most facial features clearly visible. Classified as light with no deduction or bonus applied.

?️ Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Factor Effect Points
Cancellation Light, minimal impact 0
Writing on Back Not visible from front 0
Overall Presentation Typical 0
Net Eye Appeal 0 pts

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Centering (Very Good – VG) 52
Soundness Deduction (Minor Fault) –20
Eye Appeal Adjustment 0
Final Numerical Grade 32

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number #225
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 52 (Very Good – VG)
Soundness Minor Fault (2 Very Minor Faults)
Perforations Uneven, with natural unpunched perf
Cancellation Light, over lower face, no deduction
Eye Appeal Typical; no impact
Final Grade 32 (Good – G)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #225 stamp exhibits Very Good centering, with perforations touching the design and margins narrowing significantly on the left and bottom. The two very minor faults—an unpunched perforation and back writing—constitute a Minor Fault deduction. With no penalty for the light cancellation, the stamp achieves a final grade of 32 (Good – G) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (574)

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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