U. S. Scott #236 - Used - Graded VG (LA01-0010-02-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

236

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1893

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #236 (Used, Never Hinged, No Gum)
8¢ Columbian – Columbus Restored to Favor, 1893
(1893 Columbian Exposition Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #236 is part of the famous 1893 Columbian Exposition commemorative series, issued to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage. The 8¢ denomination, printed in magenta, depicts “Columbus Restored to Favor,” a scene illustrating Columbus being reinstated at court following earlier accusations of mismanagement. The vignette is framed by ornate scrolls, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “POSTAGE EIGHT CENTS” inscribed across the top, and the denomination at the lower corners. This example is used, has never been hinged, and retains no original gum. The design remains legible despite faults and cancellation.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforation holes are clear of the design, but margins are uneven. The right margin is the narrowest, the left margin the widest, and the top margin narrower than the bottom. These proportions align with PSE standards for Fine/Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows three natural unpunched perforations, which qualify as very minor faults, along with three shorter perforations at about half normal length, which qualify as extremely minor faults. Combined, these constitute a Minor Fault under the PSE 2009 grading system.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations are gauge 12, consistent with the Columbian issue. However, several are faulty, including unpunched perforations and short tips. Margins are uneven, with the right side tightest against the design and the left side most generous, reflecting Fine/Very Fine centering.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black circular cancel that is moderately heavy and obscures part of the central vignette. While the cancel reduces clarity of the design, it does not completely obliterate the engraved details. Classified under PSE standards, this cancel is considered heavy but not obliterating.

Collector’s Note:
Circular cancels from this period are common, but lighter strikes are more desirable. This example’s darker cancel lessens clarity of the historical vignette.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The magenta color remains fairly strong, and the engraving is visible, but the heavy cancel and perforation irregularities reduce visual impact.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 59
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 54 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 236
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (unpunched perfs, short perfs)
Perforations: Perf 12, irregular with unpunched and short tips
Cancellation: Heavy black circular cancel, obscuring part of vignette
Eye Appeal: –5 adjustment for cancel and perforation faults
Final Grade: 54 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #236 from the Columbian Exposition Issue exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering but is impacted by several perforation faults and a heavy cancel. These reduce its soundness and eye appeal, resulting in a final grade of Very Good 54 under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. It remains a collectible example of this popular commemorative series.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (817)

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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