U. S. Scott #867 - Used - Graded G/VG (LA01-0052-02-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

867

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 #867 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – Walt Whitman, 1940
(Famous Americans Series – Engraved, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #867 was issued in 1940 as part of the Famous Americans series, honoring the poet Walt Whitman. The engraved vignette depicts Whitman in a hat with a long beard, framed within an ornamental border, with the denomination expressed as “5 CENTS 5” along the bottom. The lower center contains a symbolic winged globe emblem. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” is inscribed across the top. This submitted example is postally used, hinged, and retains no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is reasonably well-centered with the perforations clear of the design on all sides. The top margin is the narrowest, followed by the left margin, while the right and bottom margins are wider and provide stronger balance. According to PSE’s 2009 centering standards, this qualifies for Fine/Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp shows the following faults:
Minor Fault: Several perf creases
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant
Constituting a Minor Fault classification under the PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11, as expected for this issue. While intact overall, several perfs show creasing consistent with handling. Margins are uneven, with the top and left sides more narrow than the right and bottom, consistent with the assigned centering grade.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The cancellation is a bold black circular date stamp applied diagonally across Whitman’s face and extending into the top inscription. This cancel is heavy and obscures significant design elements, including much of the portrait. Under PSE classification, this qualifies as a Heavy cancel, warranting a deduction.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel (–10 points)

Collector’s Note:
The cancellation is prominent and detracts from the portrait, but it is legible and confirms genuine postal use. A lighter strike would have been more desirable for collectors focused on eye appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The strong blue color remains fresh and the impression is clear. However, the heavy cancellation obscuring the portrait reduces the visual balance. Eye appeal is adjusted downward by –10 points.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 58
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 48 (Good/Very Good)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 867
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Faults (perf creases, hinge remnant) –20 points
Perforations: Perf 11, intact with several perf creases
Cancellation: Heavy, obscuring portrait and inscription (–10 points)
Eye Appeal: –10 points due to heavy cancel impact
Final Grade: 48 (Good/Very Good)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #867 presents Fine/Very Fine centering but suffers from perf creases, hinging, and a heavy cancellation that obscures the design. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it achieves a final grade of 48 (Good/Very Good). It remains a collectible example of the Famous Americans issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (839)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Bids
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions