U. S. Scott #867 - MNH - F/VF Condition

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

867

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

75 (F/VF)

Year of Issue

1940

Item Description

Detailed Analysis of Scott #867

1. Design Description
This stamp commemorates Walt Whitman, one of America’s greatest poets, renowned for Leaves of Grass. The stamp features a finely engraved portrait of Whitman, complete with his distinctive beard and wide-brimmed hat. The portrait is framed in a decorative rectangular border. The denomination "5 Cents" is symmetrically displayed on both sides at the bottom. The bright blue ink accentuates the intricate engraving, lending the design a dignified and striking appearance.

2. Soundness
Condition: The stamp is mint, never hinged (NH), and retains its original gum (OG).
Faults: No visible faults are observed on either the front or back of the stamp. The gum is evenly applied and undisturbed. There are no signs of thins, creases, or tears.
Soundness Grade: Faultless—no deductions.

3. Centering
Grade: 77 (Fine-Very Fine)
The stamp is slightly off-center, with one or two sides closer to the perforations. However, the framelines remain well clear of the edges, and all four margins are full.
This centering qualifies as Fine-Very Fine (F-VF) under the PSE guidelines.

4. Perforations
Condition: The perforations are uniform, clean, and complete. No short, pulled, or irregular perforations are present, supporting the faultless soundness assessment.

5. Eye Appeal
Factors Considered: Eye appeal evaluates the stamp’s color, freshness, and overall visual impression—not centering.
Color and Freshness:
The stamp exhibits a bright and vivid blue color with no fading or discoloration.
The original gum and sharp impression enhance the stamp's overall presentation.
Bonus: The vibrant color and excellent freshness justify a +2-point bonus for eye appeal.

6. Final Grade Calculation
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine-Very Fine, F-VF)
Soundness Grade: Faultless (no deductions).
Eye Appeal Bonus: +2 points for vibrant color and freshness.
Final Numeric Grade: 79 (Fine-Very Fine, F-VF)

Final Assessment
Final Grade: 79 (Fine-Very Fine, F-VF)

Description:
A mint, never-hinged Scott #867 with original gum, faultless soundness, and Fine-Very Fine centering. The stamp’s bright blue color and overall freshness enhance its visual appeal, justifying a slight eye appeal bonus. This is a highly collectible and well-preserved example of this issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (670)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

Public Questions