U. S. Scott #233 - Used - Graded Good

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

233

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1893

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #233 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Columbian Blue – Fleet of Columbus, 1893
(U.S. Commemorative Issue – Columbian Exposition Series)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #233 was issued in 1893 as part of the historic Columbian Exposition commemorative series. This 4¢ value, titled "Fleet of Columbus", depicts the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María departing Palos, Spain, in 1492. The intricate line engraving captures the historic nature of the voyage and is rendered in a rich blue tone.

This particular stamp is used, shows a circular grid cancellation on the upper portion of the stamp, and has been hinged, with no original gum. The cancel is centered over the design but leaves most of the illustration clearly visible.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine – F)
The stamp is off-center with narrow margins on at least two sides.
The design remains clear of perforations with minimal white space, visible to the unaided eye.
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this qualifies as Fine (F) centering.

? Soundness Evaluation:
Fault Type Description Classification
Minor Fault Small pinhole near center of back Minor Fault
Minor Fault Discoloration/staining on lower back Minor Fault
Very Minor Fault Dirt smudging/spotting on back Very Minor Fault
➡️ These faults collectively classify as a “Fault”, as defined in the guide: "Two or three minor faults or combination of minor and very minor faults."
Deduction for Soundness: -25 points

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Perforations are full and generally intact, though slightly blunt at top and bottom.
No major perf faults or scissor trims are present.
Margins are uneven but sufficient to meet the Fine threshold (0.2mm+).

? Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a moderately heavy circular grid cancel that obscures the top portion of the design.
The cancel is dark and somewhat dominating, especially over the ship masts and denomination area.
? Cancel Classification: Heavy
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: -10 points

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Impact Adjustment
Color & Impression Still strong; no fading noted 0
Cancellation Heavy cancel slightly dulls design –10
Paper/Back Appearance Minor soiling + small pinhole visible –5
? Final Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine Centering + Fault Soundness) 45 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Heavy Cancel + Back Issues) –15
Final Numerical Grade 30 (Good – G)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 233
Condition Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering 70 (Fine)
Soundness Fault (Pinhole, Back Discoloration, Smudging)
Perforations Full, slightly blunt top and bottom
Cancellation Heavy Circular Grid Cancel (–10)
Eye Appeal –15 points total deduction
Final Grade 30 (Good – G)

? Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #233 from the 1893 Columbian Issue exhibits Fine centering but is brought down by a combination of faults—most notably, a small pinhole and discoloration on the back. The heavy cancel, while historically consistent, detracts from visual appeal and contributes to a final numerical grade of 30, placing it in the Good (G) category under PSE guidelines.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (647)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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