U. S. Scott #232 - Used - Graded VG

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, No Gum)

Design Overview:
Scott #232, the 1893 3-cent "Flagship of Columbus" Issue, was printed by the American Bank Note Company as part of the Columbian Exposition series, celebrating the 400th anniversary of Columbus' voyage. The design, printed in green, features the Santa María, Columbus’ flagship, sailing across the Atlantic.

This particular example is used, hinged, and has no gum. The centering is Fine (70), meaning the perforation holes come very close to the design on one or two sides, but some white space remains visible. The stamp has a hinge remnant on the back, which is considered a very minor fault.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine - F)
✔️ The stamp is off-center, with perforations coming very close to the design on one or two sides.
✔️ Margins are narrow, but some white space remains visible.
✔️ Meets the PSE grading standard for Fine (70) centering.

Soundness: Very Minor Fault (-5 Deduction Applied)
? Hinge remnant present, which is considered a very minor fault (-5 points).
? No creases, thins, or tears observed.
? Perforations are intact, with no missing or short perfs.

Perforations & Margins:
✔️ Perforation Gauge: 12, as expected for this issue.
✔️ Perforations are fully intact, with no missing or clipped sections.
✔️ Margins are narrow on at least one side but maintain white space.

Cancellation Classification:
Type: Heavy black circular cancellation.
Density: The cancel is bold and obscures part of the design, particularly the ship.
Impact: The heavy cancel reduces the visual appeal, leading to an additional -10 eye appeal deduction.
Classification: Heavy Cancel, which lowers the final grade.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: (-10 Deduction Applied)
? Color & Impression: The green ink remains strong, with no significant fading.
? Paper Condition: The paper remains intact, but the cancellation detracts from overall presentation.
? Cancellation Impact: The heavy cancel significantly obscures the design, leading to a -10 point deduction.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine Centering) 70
Soundness Deduction (Very Minor Fault: Hinged) -5
Eye Appeal Deduction (Heavy Cancel) -10
Final Numerical Grade 55 (Very Good, VG)

Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 232
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 70 (Fine - F)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (-5 for Hinging)
Perforations Intact, standard gauge 12
Cancellation Heavy Cancel (-10 Eye Appeal Points)
Eye Appeal Heavy cancel reduces appeal (-10 points)
Final Grade 55 (Very Good, VG)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #232 "Flagship of Columbus" stamp has Fine (70) centering, is used, hinged, and has no gum. The hinge remnant is a minor fault, but the heavy cancel significantly lowers its visual appeal, leading to a -10 point deduction.

Final Grade: 55 (Very Good, VG).
This stamp is a collectible example, though the heavy cancel and hinging slightly lower its desirability among collectors.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (630)

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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