U. S. Scott #257 - Used - Graded Good

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

257

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1895

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #257 (Used, Hinged, No Gum)
AC
Design Overview:
Scott #257 is an 8-cent dark violet brown stamp from the 1895 Bureau Issue, printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. It features a finely engraved portrait of General William T. Sherman, enclosed within an elaborate oval frame. This series was printed on hard paper and has perforations measuring gauge 12.

This particular example is used, has been hinged, and has no gum. The centering is graded Fine (70), meaning that the perforation holes on one or two sides come very close to the design, but white space remains visible to the unaided eye.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine - F)
✔ The perforation holes on one or two sides come very close to the design, but there is still visible white space.
✔ The margins are narrow but do not cut into the design.
✔ The overall presentation is slightly off-center but remains balanced for the issue.

Soundness: Fault (Natural Straight Edge) (-35 Deduction)
? This stamp has a natural straight edge, which is considered a fault in soundness grading.
? The straight edge affects collectibility since most collectors prefer fully perforated examples.
? Due to the presence of this fault, a 35-point deduction is applied.

Perforations & Margins:
✔ Perforation Gauge: 12, consistent with Scott #257 specifications.
✔ Margins: Uneven, with one or two very tight sides.
✔ Perforations: The presence of a natural straight edge reduces the desirability of the stamp.

Cancellation Classification:
? The stamp has a black circular date stamp (CDS) cancellation, which partially covers Sherman’s face.
? The cancel is moderate but does not overpower the design.
? Classification: Moderate Cancel (No Eye Appeal Deduction).

Eye Appeal Adjustment (No Deduction Applied):
✔ The dark violet brown color remains relatively strong, with minimal fading.
✔ The cancellation does not overpower the portrait, allowing key details to remain visible.
✔ No major discoloration or paper wear is observed.
✔ Final Eye Appeal Deduction: 0 points applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine Centering) 70
Soundness Deduction (Fault: Natural Straight Edge) -35
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Moderate Cancel, No Deduction) 0
Final Numerical Grade 35 (Good - G)

Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 257
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 70 (Fine - F)
Soundness Fault (-35 for Natural Straight Edge)
Perforations Perforation gauge 12, natural straight edge
Cancellation Moderate black CDS cancel (No deduction)
Eye Appeal Strong color, cancellation does not obscure portrait
Final Grade 35 (Good - G)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #257 stamp has Fine (70) centering, but the natural straight edge fault results in a 35-point deduction, bringing the final numerical grade to 35 (Good - G). The stamp maintains strong color and a moderate cancel but is significantly impacted by the straight edge, making it more suited for a space-filler collection rather than a high-grade exhibit.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (574)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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