U. S. Scott #234 - Used - Fair Condition

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

234

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1893

Item Description

Stamp Overview
Scott #234: 5-cent Columbian Exposition stamp from 1893.
Design: The stamp depicts "Columbus Soliciting Aid of Isabella," showing Christopher Columbus petitioning Queen Isabella and her court for support for his voyage to the New World. The ornate frame includes "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" at the top and "POSTAGE FIVE CENTS" beneath it.
Color: Chocolate brown.
Condition: Used stamp with a hinge remnant and no gum.

Front Analysis (Centering, Perforations, and Eye Appeal)
Centering
The stamp is off-center, with one or two sides showing the frameline close to the perforations. However, the frameline does not touch the perforations, and some white space remains visible, though narrow.
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine).

Perforations
The perforations appear intact, with no visible short, pulled, or clipped perfs.

Eye Appeal
The design details are clear, and the color is rich. However, the cancellation partially obscures the design in the lower right quadrant.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: The cancellation is typical for a used stamp and does not warrant a deduction.

Back Analysis (Soundness and Faults)
Soundness
The back shows evidence of a large crease and a significant stain, which classify the stamp as "Damaged" under PSE guidelines.
The hinge remnant and no gum are typical for used stamps and do not add further deductions.

Fault Impact
The combination of a large crease and significant stain places the soundness in the Fair (10-19) range.

Grading Summary
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine).
Soundness Deduction: The large crease and significant stain reduce the grade to 15 (Fair).
Eye Appeal Adjustment: No deduction or bonus applied for the cancellation.

Final Grade Calculation:
Base Grade: 71 (Fine).
Soundness Adjustment: Reduced to 15 (Fair).
Eye Appeal Adjustment: No changes.
Final Numerical Grade
15 (Fair).

Conclusion
Design: 5-cent Columbian Exposition, "Columbus Soliciting Aid of Isabella" (Scott #234, 1893 issue).
Centering: Fine (Grade 71).
Soundness: Damaged (Large crease and significant stain, reduced to Fair).
Cancellation and Eye Appeal: Typical cancellation (No adjustment).
Final Grade: 15 (Fair).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (573)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

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