U. S. Scott #65 - Used - Graded Fair (SL01-0001-03-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

65

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1861

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #65 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Rose – George Washington, 1861
(U.S. 1861 Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
The 3¢ rose stamp of 1861 features a left-facing profile of George Washington surrounded by an ornate lathework frame. The denomination “3” appears in the upper corners, with “THREE CENTS” inscribed at the base. This example is used, hinged, and retains its original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 54 (Very Good)
The perforations touch or very slightly cut into the design along the bottom edge, which is the narrowest margin. The top margin is the widest, while the right side is tighter than the left. This configuration fits the Very Good centering range under PSE standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults Observed:
Minor Fault: Two small corner creases
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant
These combine to classify the stamp under Fault per the 2009 PSE guidelines.
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
All perforations are present but uneven, with stress showing at the corners where the creases exist. Bottom perforations cut into the design, and the right margin is noticeably tighter than the left.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The bold black straightline “PAID” cancel is heavy and obscures much of Washington’s portrait. Under PSE standards, this qualifies as a Heavy Cancel, warranting a –10 adjustment.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 54 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 24 (Fair/Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 14 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 65
Condition: Used, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: Very Good (54)
Soundness: Fault (two corner creases, hinge remnant)
Perforations: Intact but irregular, bottom margin encroaches on design
Cancellation: Heavy straightline “PAID” cancel obscuring portrait (–10)
Eye Appeal: –10 deduction
Final Grade: 14 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #65 shows Very Good centering but is reduced significantly by multiple structural issues, including two corner creases and a hinge remnant, qualifying as a Fault. The heavy “PAID” cancel further obscures Washington’s profile, reducing its visual appeal. The final numerical grade is 14 (Fair) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Note on the “Paid” Cancel:
While most collectors prefer lighter circular or barred cancels that leave the portrait visible, straightline “PAID” cancels occupy a special niche. They are postal markings applied to indicate prepayment rather than standard obliteration. In general grading terms, they are treated as Heavy Cancels due to the large block lettering that obscures the design. However, certain collectors of postal history or fancy cancels may actually view these as more desirable than common killer strikes, even though PSE grading methodology applies the same negative adjustment as a standard heavy cancel.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (833)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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