U. S. Scott #65 - Used - Graded FR/G (LA01-0003-02-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

65

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1861

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #65 (Used, Hinged, No Gum)

Design Overview:
Scott #65 is a 3-cent Washington stamp, issued in 1861, featuring an engraved portrait of George Washington within an ornate frame. It was widely used during the Civil War era and is a common issue of the time. The stamp was printed in rose and was often seen with various cancellations due to heavy postal usage.

This example is used, has been previously hinged, and has no gum, which is standard for a used stamp. The stamp bears a black target cancellation, covering significant portions of Washington’s face.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine - F)
The perforations on one or two sides come very close to the design, but some white space remains visible to the unaided eye.
The margins are noticeably uneven, particularly along the left and top edges.
PSE grading guidelines classify this as Fine (F) centering.

Soundness: Major Fault (-40 deduction)
Several faulty, clipped, pulled, and short perforations, particularly along the left and bottom edges.
No significant creases or thins detected, but the perforation condition severely impacts soundness.
PSE grading guidelines classify this as a Major Fault (-40 deduction).

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

Design Overview:
Scott #65 was issued in 1861 as part of the Civil War-era definitive series. The stamp depicts a left-facing portrait of George Washington framed by intricate lathework. The denomination appears at the top corners, with “THREE CENTS” inscribed along the bottom. This example is used, hinged, and no longer retains its original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Margins are uneven, with the design approaching the perforations on multiple sides. The left margin is the narrowest, while the bottom margin shows greater clearance. Overall, this placement meets the criteria for Fine centering under the PSE scale.

Soundness Evaluation:
Major Fault: Several clipped, short, and irregular perforations, especially along the left and bottom edges.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –40 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations are heavily affected by multiple clipped and short tips, producing irregular edges. The left and bottom are the most impacted, significantly reducing the soundness score.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp bears a heavy black target cancel that obscures much of Washington’s portrait. This qualifies as a Heavy Cancel under PSE guidelines, warranting a –10 point adjustment.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –40 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 30
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 20 (Fair–Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 65
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Fine (70)
Soundness: Major Fault (several clipped, short, irregular perforations)
Perforations: Multiple faulty perfs, especially on left and bottom edges
Cancellation: Heavy black target cancel obscuring the portrait
Eye Appeal: –10 deduction for heavy cancel coverage
Final Grade: 20 (Fair–Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #65 shows Fine centering but suffers from significant perforation issues, with several clipped and irregular tips along the left and bottom. These classify the stamp under Major Fault soundness, incurring a substantial deduction. The heavy target cancel obscures much of Washington’s face, reducing eye appeal further. Factoring these conditions, the stamp receives a final grade of 20 (Fair–Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (834)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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