U. S. Scott #237 - Used - Fair Condition

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

237

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1893

Item Description

Stamp Overview
Scott #237: 10-cent Columbian Exposition stamp from 1893.
Design: Titled "Columbus Presenting Natives," the stamp depicts Christopher Columbus presenting Native Americans to Queen Isabella and the Spanish court. The scene includes intricate detailing, framed by ornate designs, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" inscribed at the top and "POSTAGE TEN CENTS" at the bottom.
Color: Black.
Condition: Used stamp, hinged, and no gum.

Front Analysis
Centering
The stamp is noticeably off-center on one or two sides, with the edge of the design approaching the perforations. However, the frameline does not touch the perfs, and white space remains visible, albeit narrow.
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine).

Perforations
The perforations are intact and reasonably even, with no visible short, pulled, or clipped perfs.

Eye Appeal
The cancellation is moderately heavy, with bold circular markings crossing the central vignette and slightly obscuring some of the details. However, the rich black color and intricate design remain visible, and the stamp retains a fair level of eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: Due to the moderately heavy cancellation, no bonus or penalty is applied.

Back Analysis
Soundness
The back reveals a large, deep thin, which significantly impacts the structural integrity of the stamp. This fault qualifies as "Damaged" under PSE guidelines.
The hinge remnants and absence of gum are expected for a used stamp and do not contribute additional deductions.

Fault Impact
The large, deep thin places the soundness in the Fair (10-19) range.

Grading Summary
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine), with noticeable off-centering but no design intrusion.
Soundness Deduction: The large, deep thin reduces the grade to 15 (Fair).
Eye Appeal Adjustment: No deductions or bonuses applied.

Final Grade Calculation:
Base Grade: 70 (Fine).
Soundness Adjustment: Reduced to 15 (Fair).
Eye Appeal Adjustment: No changes.
Final Numerical Grade
15 (Fair).

Conclusion
Design: 10-cent Columbian Exposition, "Columbus Presenting Natives" (Scott #237, 1893 issue).
Centering: Fine (Grade 70), with noticeable off-centering but no design loss.
Soundness: Damaged (Large, deep thin).
Cancellation and Eye Appeal: Moderately heavy cancellation, no significant impact.
Final Grade: 15 (Fair).

This stamp’s structural issues heavily impact its grade, placing it in the Fair category. However, the design and historical significance remain notable.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (896)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

Public Questions