U. S. Scott #227 - Used - Graded FR/G

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

227

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 #227 (Used, Hinged, No Gum – Single Stamp)
15¢ Dark Blue – Henry Clay, 1890
(U.S. Regular Issue – First Bureau Issue, 1890 Series)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #227 features a striking engraved portrait of Henry Clay, an iconic 19th-century American statesman and orator. Issued in 1890 as part of the First Bureau Issue, the stamp is printed in dark blue and framed within intricate ornamental scrollwork, with denomination numerals “15” in each bottom corner. This was among the first series of stamps printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, marking a transition from private contractors to government-printed postage.

This example shows a light black circular date cancel, which partially overlaps the central portrait but does not fully obscure Clay’s facial features.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Visually balanced with clearly visible margins all around.
Left and bottom margins are stronger; top and right are narrower but still retain white space.
Meets criteria for Fine/Very Fine centering: the design approaches the perforation holes on at least one or two sides, yet retains adequate white space without touching the design.

? Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits the following faults:
Fault Type Description Classification
Major Fault Large thin, affecting the reverse center of the stamp Major Fault
Minor Fault Discoloration on back, likely due to age or environmental effect Minor Fault
Very Minor Fault Two shorter perforations (approx. half normal length) Very Minor Fault
Very Minor Fault Hinge remnant on back of stamp Very Minor Fault
According to the PSE Grading Guide, the presence of a Major Fault (large thin), even alongside relatively minor secondary issues, results in a significant deduction.
Combined Soundness Grade: Major Fault Soundness
? Soundness + Centering Composite Grade:
Fine/Very Fine Centering (77) + Major Fault Soundness
Referencing the PSE Grid: Grade = Good (30–34)
Selected Value: 32

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Standard 12-gauge perforations (typical for the 1890 Issue) are generally intact on all four sides.
Two perforation tips on the right edge are notably shorter, at about half normal length, qualifying as a very minor fault.
Perforations are not ragged or re-cut.

? Cancellation Classification:
Type: Light to moderate circular date cancel
Placement: Across Clay’s forehead and upper portrait area
Intensity: Moderate darkness but still permits facial visibility
? Classification: Heavy Cancel
Per PSE Eye Appeal table, this merits an up to –10 point deduction

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Adjustment
Color & Impression Typical for issue (no bonus or penalty)
Cancellation Type Heavy Cancel (–10 points)
Other Visual Factors Slight dulling of design due to wear
? Final Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Major Fault) 32 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Heavy Cancel) –10
Final Numerical Grade 22 (Fair/Good – FR/GD)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 227
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Major Fault (Large thin), Minor Fault (Back discoloration), Two Very Minor Faults (short perfs, hinge remnant)
Perforations Standard 12-gauge; mostly intact except two short tips
Cancellation Heavy circular cancel (–10 Eye Appeal points)
Eye Appeal Diminished slightly due to cancel and wear
Final Grade 22 (Fair/Good – FR/GD)

? Final Verdict:
This used Scott #227 stamp from the 1890 First Bureau Issue presents with solid Fine/Very Fine centering, but its overall condition is compromised by a large thin, back discoloration, a hinge remnant, and shorter perfs. A heavy black cancel further affects its visual appeal. As such, it receives a final grade of 22 (Fair/Good – FR/GD) under 2009 PSE grading standards.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (636)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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