U. S. Scott #875 - Used - Graded VG/F (LA01-0052-04-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

875

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 #875 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – Dr. Crawford W. Long, 1940
(Famous Americans Series – Engraved, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #875 was issued in 1940 as part of the Famous Americans series, honoring Dr. Crawford W. Long, the physician credited with pioneering the use of ether anesthesia. The engraved design features his portrait framed by a bold rectangular border, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” at the bottom and the denomination “2¢” in a shield at the lower right. The submitted example is postally used, never hinged, and retains its original gum undisturbed.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Perforations are clear of the design on all sides. The right margin is the narrowest, followed by the bottom, while the left and top margins are stronger. This distribution of margins places the stamp in the Fine/Very Fine range under the 2009 PSE grading definitions.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp is faultless, with no tears, thins, creases, stains, or perf damage observed.
Soundness Deduction: –0 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides, consistent with the issue. The perforations are intact and evenly cut, with no evidence of trimming or reperforation. Margins are narrower on the right and bottom compared to the left and top, aligning with the centering grade.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The cancellation consists of black horizontal machine cancel bars across the portrait. While clear and typical of this period, the cancel traverses the vignette, reducing overall design clarity. This qualifies as a Heavy cancel under PSE guidelines.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel (–10 points)

Collector’s Note:
While less desirable than lighter circular cancels, machine cancels confirm period use and are common for this issue. Collectors generally prefer examples with lighter strikes that avoid obscuring the portrait.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The carmine color remains strong and vivid, and the paper is fresh. However, the heavy machine cancel reduces eye appeal. Adjustment: –10 points.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –0 (Faultless)
Adjusted Base Grade: 77
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 67 (Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 875
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Faultless (no deductions)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact, consistent with issue
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel across vignette (–10 points)
Eye Appeal: –10 points due to cancel placement
Final Grade: 67 (Fine)

Final Verdict:
This used, never hinged example of Scott #875 combines sound condition and Fine/Very Fine centering. Its grade is reduced only by the heavy machine cancel that obscures the portrait, resulting in a final grade of 67 (Fine) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. It remains a collectible example of the Famous Americans series.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (827)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions