U. S. Scott #234 - Used - Graded Fair (LA01-0010-02-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

234

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1893

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #234 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Chocolate – Columbus Soliciting Aid of Isabella, 1893
(Columbian Exposition Issue – Engraved, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #234 is the 5¢ value of the 1893 Columbian Exposition commemoratives. The vignette depicts Columbus appealing to Queen Isabella for aid in financing his expedition, surrounded by ornate scrollwork. The top inscription reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with the denomination “POSTAGE FIVE CENTS” in the arch and the title “COLUMBUS SOLICITING AID OF ISABELLA” along the lower tablet.

This example is used, hinged, and has no original gum. While the design remains intact, the stamp shows multiple faults and fading that lower its grade significantly.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 54 (Very Good)
The stamp’s perforations touch or slightly cut into the frameline of the design on more than one side. Margins are minimal and uneven, but the design remains complete. This positioning meets the PSE standard for Very Good centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has several significant defects that qualify as a Major Fault. Perforations are faulty on multiple sides, including clipped, pulled, and short perfs, which accounts for the Major Fault classification. In addition, slight overall color fading is present, treated as a Minor Fault. No tears or creases beyond the perforation damage are observed. The combined soundness deduction is –37 points.

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 as issued. Perforations are damaged on several sides, with multiple clipped or shortened tips. Margins are narrow and uneven, consistent with the centering grade, and in some areas the perforations cut into the design.

Cancellation Evaluation:
No visible cancellation is present on this example. Since it is clearly postally used, the absence of a distinct cancel does not improve desirability. No deduction is applied for cancellation.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The chocolate brown ink is slightly faded, and the overall presentation is weakened by the irregular perforations. While the paper remains intact, the combination of fading and perf damage reduces the visual quality. An additional –5 points is applied for diminished eye appeal.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 54 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –37 (Major Fault and Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 17
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 17 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 234
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Very Good (54)
Soundness: Major Fault (multiple faulty perforations) and Minor Fault (slight fading)
Perforations: Perf 12, with numerous clipped, pulled, and short tips
Cancellation: None visible, no deduction applied
Eye Appeal: –5 for fading and damaged perforations
Final Grade: 17 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #234 shows Very Good centering but is significantly reduced in grade by faulty perforations, fading, and other minor faults. While its design remains intact, its condition places it firmly in the Fair (17) range under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. It serves primarily as a reference or space-filler rather than a premium collectible.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (823)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Bids
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions