U. S. Scott #862 - MNH - Graded VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

862

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1940

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #862 (Unused, Original Gum – Single Stamp)
Louisa May Alcott – 5¢ Blue, 1940 (Famous Americans Series)

?️ Design Overview
This 5¢ blue stamp issued in 1940 honors Louisa May Alcott, the iconic American author of Little Women. As part of the Famous Americans Series, it follows the classical design format with a portrait framed in a neoclassical architectural setting. Elegant lettering and ornamental scrollwork highlight the importance of her contribution to American literature.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (79)
This stamp is visibly off-center:
The right and top margins are noticeably narrow, with the bottom margin being more generous.
All margins remain fully outside the design and clear of the perforations.
The margins satisfy the minimum standard for Fine/Very Fine based on the 2009 PSE guidelines.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 79

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: Original gum, never hinged ✅
Identified Faults:
Toning spots are visible on the back – small but clearly identifiable.
These qualify as a Minor Fault under the PSE guidelines.
? Soundness Deduction: -20
? Adjusted Base Grade: 59

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforations: Fully intact and well-formed on all sides, with no short, blunt, or pulled perfs.
Margins: Right and top margins are relatively narrow but still meet the minimum acceptable size. Left and bottom margins are wider, providing a balanced frame overall.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color Rich blue color with strong contrast ✅
Impression Clear and well-struck details ✅
Freshness Slight dulling due to back toning ⚠️
Balance Top and right margin imbalance visible ✅
Overall Visually pleasing front; toned back slightly detracts ⚠️
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
While the front is attractive, the visible toning on the back reduces freshness, keeping the score neutral.

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering Grade 79
Soundness Deduction -20
Subtotal 59
Eye Appeal Bonus 0
Final Grade 59 ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 862
Format Single Stamp
Condition Unused, Never Hinged
Gum Original Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (79)
Soundness Minor Fault – toning spots (-20)
Eye Appeal 0 (no bonus or penalty)
Final Grade 59 (Very Good) ✅

? Final Verdict
This Scott #862 – Louisa May Alcott 5¢ blue stamp – is an appealing Very Good (59) example. While the centering is slightly unbalanced and toning spots on the back lower its soundness score, the stamp remains attractive from the front, with sharp color and crisp printing. A collectible item for general commemorative collections, though not at a premium grade level due to the minor fault.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1009)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions