U. S. Scott #372 - Used - [SD22-0002-06-01]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

372

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1909

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #372 (Used, Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – Hudson-Fulton Celebration, 1909
(Hudson-Fulton Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #372 was issued in 1909 to commemorate the joint Hudson-Fulton Celebration, honoring both Henry Hudson’s 1609 exploration of the river later bearing his name and Robert Fulton’s successful 1807 steamboat voyage. The design depicts the historic Half Moon sailing ship alongside Fulton’s Clermont steamboat, symbolizing the transition from exploration to modern innovation. The inscription “HUDSON-FULTON CELEBRATION” appears at the top, with the dual years “1609” and “1909” in the corners. This example is postally used, has never been hinged, and does not retain its original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The stamp’s design is clear of the perforations on all sides, but the right margin is the narrowest and the top is also somewhat constricted. The left margin is the widest, and the bottom is fuller than the top but not entirely balanced. This qualifies as Fine/Very Fine centering, consistent with PSE grading standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults Observed:
Very Minor Fault: Light cancellation bleed-through visible on reverse.
Very Minor Fault: Corner perf crease.
Extremely Minor Fault: One shorter perf, about half normal length.
These constitute a Minor Fault classification, as two or more very minor faults combined with an extremely minor fault reduce overall soundness.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12, consistent with the issue. Most perforations are intact, though one is shorter than normal and a corner crease affects soundness. Margins are uneven, with the right side noticeably tighter than the others.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a wavy black machine cancel covering much of the design. While it is not so heavy as to obliterate the imagery, it is more visually intrusive than a neat circular cancel. It qualifies as a heavy cancel under PSE guidelines.

Collector’s Note:
Machine cancels are typical for this issue but often reduce visual desirability compared to lighter strikes. Collectors generally prefer examples with lighter, less obtrusive cancels on this commemorative.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The carmine color remains strong, and the engraving detail is preserved. However, the heavy cancel reduces clarity of the central design. A further small eye appeal deduction is justified.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 56 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 51 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 372
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (bleed-through, corner perf crease, shorter perf) –20
Perforations: Perf 12, intact, one shorter perf, corner crease
Cancellation: Wavy machine cancel, heavy, obscures design
Eye Appeal: –5 deduction for cancel impact
Final Grade: 51 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #372 exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering but is held down by multiple small faults and a heavy machine cancel. While visually less appealing than higher-graded examples, it remains a collectible Very Good (51) example of the issue under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (977)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions