U. S. Scott #871 - MNH - Graded F/VF

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

871

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

75 (F/VF)

Year of Issue

1940

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #871 (Unused, Original Gum – Single Stamp)
Charles W. Eliot – 3¢ Violet, 1940 (Famous Americans Series – Educators Group)

?️ Design Overview
This 3¢ violet commemorative, issued in 1940 as part of the Famous Americans Series, features Charles W. Eliot, the transformative president of Harvard University. His portrait is framed by a classic laurel wreath, and the lamp of learning beneath symbolizes education and intellectual leadership. The engraving is clean and scholarly, matching the subject’s legacy.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (78)
The stamp is clearly off-center to the right, with a noticeably narrow right margin, though it remains safely outside the design.
Top and bottom margins are close but full; left margin is much wider.
This imbalance is noticeable at a glance, fitting within Fine/Very Fine per the PSE scale.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 78

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: Original gum, never hinged ✅
Identified Faults:
The back shows some light mirror image bleed-through from the design (common in this issue).
No thins, creases, gum skips, or discoloration are present.
The stamp is structurally fault-free.
? Soundness Deduction: 0
? Adjusted Base Grade: 78

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforations: Fully intact, with no short or damaged perforation tips.
Margins: Right margin is clearly narrow, with others fully intact and well spaced, especially the left margin which is quite generous.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color ? Strong and rich violet, typical of a fresh impression ✅
Impression ? Crisp engraving with excellent line detail ✅
Freshness ? Bright front and clean gum with no toning ✅
Balance Slightly right-heavy, detracts modestly ⚠️
Overall Strong aesthetic presence despite mild imbalance ✅
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +1
The overall appearance is strong and fresh, with only the right margin detracting from the visual harmony. That makes the stamp worthy of a +1 eye appeal bonus—not quite enough to push further due to the uneven balance.

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering Grade 78
Soundness Deduction 0
Subtotal 78
Eye Appeal Bonus +1
Final Grade 79 ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 871
Format Single Stamp
Condition Unused, Never Hinged
Gum Original Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (78)
Soundness Faultless ✅
Eye Appeal +1 (strong color, slight margin imbalance)
Final Grade 79 (Fine/Very Fine) ✅

? Final Verdict
This Scott #871 – Charles W. Eliot 3¢ violet stamp is a Fine/Very Fine (79) example, combining sharp impression, rich color, and flawless gum. While slightly right-heavy in its centering, its bold visual presence and high production quality make it a collectible example in this Famous Americans educator sub-series.

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