U. S. Scott #226 - Used - Graded Fair

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

226

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1890

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #226 (Used, No Gum – Single Stamp)
10¢ Green – Daniel Webster, 1890
(U.S. Regular Issue – First Bureau Issue, Type I)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #226, issued in 1890, showcases an engraved bust of Daniel Webster, one of the most influential U.S. statesmen of the 19th century. The design is bordered by finely detailed scrollwork and printed in deep green ink. This stamp was part of the 1890–93 First Bureau Issue, produced on unwatermarked soft paper and perforated 12. The 10¢ denomination was typically used for international or registry mail.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine – F)
The design is off-center toward the top and left, but all margins retain a visible border between the design and the perforations.
The right and bottom margins are adequately spaced, while the top and left are close, meeting minimum margin standards for Fine centering under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

? Soundness Evaluation:
Identified Faults:
Major Fault: Cut upper-left corner that affects the margin (though not cutting into the design), but reduces structural completeness.
Minor Fault: Discoloration on the front – visible as uneven color or staining, especially top center and lower-left.
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant visible on the back.
Extremely Minor Fault: One shorter perf, about half normal length, visible along the left side.
? Soundness Classification: Major Fault
According to PSE guidelines, a cut corner is a structural alteration, and when combined with other issues such as discoloration and multiple lesser faults, this stamp qualifies as having a Major Fault.
? Soundness Deduction: –45 points

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Full perforations are present on three sides; however, the top-left corner is irregularly trimmed or damaged.
One shorter perf is visible on the left edge.
Perforations elsewhere are intact and unaltered.

? Cancellation Classification:
Type: Moderate Black Circular Cancel – Heavy
The cancel strikes through the lower left and partially across the portrait.
The black ink is dense and distracts from the facial clarity and oval frame.
? PSE Classification: Heavy Cancel – Deduct 10 Points
As it noticeably obscures part of the design, this qualifies as a Heavy Cancel, earning a –10 point deduction to eye appeal under the 2009 PSE guidelines​2009_GradingGuide_092009.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Evaluation Score
Color & Impression Some fading and discoloration frontally 0
Paper Freshness Moderate age toning 0
Cancellation Placement Heavy, obscures part of portrait –10
Overall Appeal Noticeably reduced –10
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine Centering) 71
Soundness Deduction –45 (Major Faults: cut corner, discoloration, hinge remnant)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –10 (Heavy cancel)
Final Numerical Grade 16 (Fair – FR)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 226 (Used, No Gum, Hinged)
Centering 71 (Fine – F)
Soundness Major Fault – Cut corner, discoloration, hinge remnant
Perforations One shorter perf; corner trim damage
Cancellation Heavy black cancel, obscuring part of design
Eye Appeal –10 points due to cancellation
Final Grade 16 (Fair – FR)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #226 stamp exhibits Fine centering and a largely complete design but suffers significantly from soundness issues, particularly the cut upper-left corner, discoloration, and shorter perf. A heavy cancel further diminishes eye appeal. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this stamp receives a final grade of 16 (Fair – FR).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (631)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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