U. S. Scott #872 - MNH - F/VF Condition

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

872

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 #872

1. Design Description
This stamp honors Frances E. Willard, a prominent American educator, reformer, and suffragist. The design features an engraved portrait of Willard in a circular frame, surrounded by decorative elements symbolizing leadership and education. The denomination "5 Cents" is displayed symmetrically on both sides at the bottom. The rich blue ink enhances the intricate details of the engraving, lending a dignified and elegant appearance to the design.

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. The gum is evenly distributed and undisturbed, with no signs of thins, creases, or tears.
Soundness Grade: Faultless—no deductions.

3. Centering
Grade: 76 (Fine-Very Fine)
The stamp is noticeably off-center, with one or two sides closer to the perforations. However, the framelines remain intact, and there is sufficient white space between the design and the perforations.
This centering aligns with Fine-Very Fine (F-VF) under the PSE guidelines.

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

5. Eye Appeal
Factors Considered: Eye appeal evaluates the stamp’s color, freshness, and overall visual impact—not centering.
Color and Freshness:
The stamp exhibits a vibrant blue hue with no signs of fading or discoloration.
The original gum and strong color contribute positively to the stamp’s overall visual presentation.
Bonus: The strong color and freshness justify a +2-point bonus for eye appeal.

6. Final Grade Calculation
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine-Very Fine, F-VF)
Soundness Grade: Faultless (no deductions).
Eye Appeal Bonus: +2 points for vibrant color and freshness.
Final Numeric Grade: 78 (Fine-Very Fine, F-VF)

Final Assessment
Final Grade: 78 (Fine-Very Fine, F-VF)

Description:
A mint, never-hinged Scott #872 with original gum, faultless soundness, and Fine-Very Fine centering. The stamp’s vibrant blue color and excellent freshness enhance its visual appeal, justifying a slight bonus. This is a desirable and well-preserved collectible for its issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (670)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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