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

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

225

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1893

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #225 (Used, No Gum – Single Stamp)
8¢ Violet Brown – William T. Sherman, 1893
(U.S. Regular Issue – First Bureau Issue, Type I)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #225 was issued as part of the 1890–93 First Bureau Issue and features a detailed engraved portrait of General William Tecumseh Sherman. Printed in violet brown ink on soft paper and perforated 12, the stamp reflects the precision and aesthetic sensibilities of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s early period. The 8¢ denomination was commonly used for registry fees and higher-rate international mail.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The design is well centered with all four margins clear of the design.
The left and right margins are slightly narrower than the top and bottom, but clearly exceed the minimum threshold for F/VF centering.
Per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this qualifies as Fine/Very Fine centering at the upper end of the range.

? Soundness Evaluation:
Faults Present:
? Fault: Two light creases are visible on the reverse when examined under oblique lighting. While not deeply pressed or folded, they slightly affect the integrity of the paper.
? Very Minor Fault: A hinge remnant is present at the top back of the stamp.
? Soundness Classification: Fault
The combination of two light creases (a single crease may be Minor or Very Minor) and an additional very minor fault elevates this to the Fault category under the PSE grading matrix​2009_GradingGuide_092009.
? Soundness Deduction: –30 points

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
All four sides display full, intact perforations.
No evidence of scissor separation, pulled perfs, or clipping.
Bottom edge shows minor bending at two tips, but not enough to merit a deduction.

? Cancellation Classification:
Type: Extremely Light Black Cancel (Barely Visible)
The cancel is exceedingly faint, visible as a soft gray-black mark at the top left and lower right.
It does not obscure Sherman’s portrait at all and would be easy to overlook without close inspection.
? PSE Classification: Light Cancel – Bonus +10 Points
The cancel qualifies for the maximum eye appeal bonus under PSE’s cancellation grading guidance.
It enhances overall visual appeal by not interfering with the design or portrait​2009_GradingGuide_092009.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Evaluation Score
Color & Impression Rich violet brown; excellent impression 0
Paper Freshness Clean; no discoloration or soiling 0
Cancellation Placement Extremely light and well-positioned +10
Overall Appeal Exceptionally attractive for a used stamp +10
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +10 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (F/VF Centering) 77
Soundness Deduction –30 (Light creases + hinge remnant)
Eye Appeal Adjustment +10 (Light cancel)
Final Numerical Grade 57 (Very Good – VG)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 225 (Used, No Gum, Hinged)
Centering 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Fault – Two light creases + hinge remnant
Perforations Full and undamaged
Cancellation Extremely light, adds to visual appeal
Eye Appeal +10 points
Final Grade 57 (Very Good – VG)

? Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #225 is an attractive used stamp with excellent centering, a nearly invisible cancellation, and rich color. While two light creases and a hinge remnant reduce the soundness score, the faint cancel dramatically improves the visual presentation. The final grade, balancing all components under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, is 57 (Very Good – VG).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (573)

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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