U. S. Scott #232 Used - Graded FR/G (LA01-0010-01-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

232

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1893

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #232 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Green – “Flagship of Columbus,” 1893
(U.S. Columbian Exposition Issue – American Bank Note Company, Soft Paper, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #232 is part of the 1893 Columbian Exposition Issue, commemorating the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s first voyage. The 3¢ denomination depicts the flagship Santa Maria under sail, with “FLAGSHIP OF COLUMBUS” inscribed in the bottom tablet. The design is framed with ornate borders and the denomination displayed in large numeral “3” markers at the upper corners. Printed in green ink by the American Bank Note Company, this issue was perforated 12.

The example presented is used, hinged, and has no original gum. While the design remains intact, this stamp exhibits both centering limitations and significant condition faults that heavily impact its grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine)
The margins show the design clear of the perforations, though the bottom margin is narrow and the left side slightly tighter than the right. The top margin is the widest. This qualifies as Fine centering under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, with white space still visible but margins noticeably uneven.

Soundness Evaluation:
The following faults are observed:
Major Fault: Large thin on reverse
Minor Fault: Discoloration on back and surface
Minor Fault: Light crease visible
Minor Fault: Several ragged, fuzzy, or short perforations, about half normal length
Minor Fault: One very short or nibbed perforation
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant on reverse
Extremely Minor Fault: Pencil writing on back

The presence of a large thin places the stamp in the Major Fault category, overriding the accumulation of lesser defects.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12, consistent with the issue. Multiple perforations are irregular, with ragged and shortened teeth present. Margins are uneven, with the bottom margin particularly tight.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a moderate black circular cancel across the left side of the vignette and into the sails of the ship. While it does affect visibility, it does not fully obscure the design. Under the 2009 PSE guidelines, this is classified as a Moderate cancel and does not require a further deduction.
Cancellation Classification: Moderate Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 26
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 (Moderate Cancel)
Final Grade: 26 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 232
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Fine (71)
Soundness: Major Fault (large thin, discoloration, crease, ragged/short perfs, nibbed perf)
Perforations: Perf 12, several short and ragged perforations
Cancellation: Moderate cancel, no deduction
Eye Appeal: No adjustment
Final Grade: 26 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #232 from the Columbian Exposition Issue has Fine centering but is significantly compromised by a large thin, surface discoloration, and multiple perforation defects. The moderate cancel does not worsen the grade, but the major soundness fault reduces the overall grade to 26 (Fair/Good – FR/G) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (779)

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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