U. S. Scott #372 - Used - Graded Poor

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

372

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1909

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #372 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – Hudson-Fulton Celebration, 1909
(U.S. Commemorative Issue – Half Moon and Clermont)

Design Overview:
Scott #372 was issued in 1909 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s exploration of the Hudson River and the 100th anniversary of Robert Fulton’s first steamboat voyage. The design presents three vessels: a Native American canoe in the foreground, Hudson’s ship the Half Moon on the left, and Fulton’s Clermont on the right. The issue was printed in carmine red by flat plate engraving and perforated 12.

This example is used and bears a black wavy-line machine cancellation across the face. A “PERFIN” security perforation is also visible within the design, which does not obscure the primary subject matter but alters the visual integrity of the piece.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 50 (Very Good)
The design is poorly balanced left-to-right, with the right margin extremely narrow and nearly cutting into the design while the left margin is disproportionately large. The top and bottom margins are uneven but intact. Under the PSE grading scale, perforations that come into or nearly touch the design qualify for Very Good centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits multiple issues affecting its soundness:
Two moderate creases (Faults)
Natural straight edge on the right side (Fault, post-1890 classification)
Prominent guideline along one side (Very Minor Fault)
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the combination of these faults constitutes a Major Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –34 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on three sides, with a natural straight edge at the right. The remaining perforations are intact, though one corner perf is irregular due to the crease. The left margin is wide, while the right margin is effectively non-existent.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The wavy-line machine cancel is bold and heavy, crossing much of the design. While the ships remain discernible, the cancellation is distracting and detracts from visual clarity. According to the PSE guidelines, this qualifies as a Heavy cancel.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 50 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –34 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 16
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10
Final Grade: 6 (Poor – PR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 372
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Very Good (50)
Soundness: Major Fault (creases, straight edge, guideline)
Perforations: Natural straight edge at right, intact on other three sides
Cancellation: Heavy black wavy-line machine cancel
Eye Appeal: –10 deduction for heavy cancel
Final Grade: 6 (Poor – PR)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #372 displays Very Good centering, with a strong left margin and an extremely narrow right margin. However, multiple faults—including two creases, a natural straight edge, and a visible guideline—place the stamp into the Major Fault category. The heavy machine cancel further reduces its visual appeal. As a result, it earns a final numerical grade of 6 (Poor – PR) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1006)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions