U. S. Scott #862 - Used [LA01-0052-01-04]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

862

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1940

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #862 (Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
5¢ Bright Blue – Louisa May Alcott, 1940
(Famous Americans Series – Authors – Rotary Press Printing, Perf 11×10½)

Design Overview:
Scott #862 honors Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888), celebrated author of Little Women. The stamp features a finely engraved portrait of Alcott framed in an oval medallion with decorative scrollwork at the bottom corners. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” appears across the top, “LOUISA MAY ALCOTT” is inscribed beneath the vignette, and “5 CENTS” appears in a shield at the lower right. Issued in 1940 as part of the Famous Americans Series (Authors group), the 5¢ denomination was typically used for international rates and heavier domestic letters. The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and without original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine–Very Fine, F–VF)
The perforations are clear of the design, but margins are unbalanced. The right margin is the narrowest, the left the widest, with the bottom tighter than the top. This places it within the Fine–Very Fine centering category per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
Minor Fault: Small corner crease (×2)
These creases constitute a Minor Fault classification under the PSE guidelines.
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 11×10½, consistent with the issue. All perforations are genuine, though corner creasing slightly weakens the structure. Margins reflect the Fine–Very Fine centering grade, with the right and bottom tighter than the left and top.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a bold black circular date cancel overlapping the vignette. It qualifies as a Heavy Cancel under PSE definitions, covering a large portion of Alcott’s portrait and inscriptions, though the subject remains identifiable.

Collector’s Note:
As part of the Famous Americans Series, the Alcott issue is less common than the lower denominations of the set. Examples with lighter cancels are more desirable, but heavier strikes like this are typical of commercial use.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The bright blue color remains strong, but the heavy cancel reduces overall visual presentation. A –10 point adjustment is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine–Very Fine, F–VF)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 48
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10
Final Grade: 38 (Good, G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 862
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine–Very Fine, F–VF)
Soundness: Minor Fault (corner creases ×2), –30
Perforations: Perf 11×10½, intact and genuine
Cancellation: Heavy black circular cancel, –10 adjustment
Eye Appeal: –10 due to cancel strength
Final Grade: 38 (Good, G)

Final Verdict:
This used 5¢ Louisa May Alcott stamp from the Famous Americans Series shows Fine–Very Fine centering but is significantly reduced by corner creases and a heavy cancel. Its final numerical grade under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide is 38 (Good). It remains a collectible literary commemorative from the Authors group of the Famous Americans Series.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1003)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions