U. S. Scott #880 - Used - Graded G/VG (LA01-0053-01-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

880

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 #880 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – John Philip Sousa, 1940
(Famous Americans Series – Engraved, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #880 was issued in 1940 as part of the Famous Americans series, commemorating John Philip Sousa, the “March King,” celebrated for his patriotic compositions and leadership of the U.S. Marine Band. The vignette depicts Sousa in uniform within an oval frame, flanked by decorative laurels, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” inscribed at the top and “2¢” at the lower left. The submitted example is postally used, hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Perforations are clear of the design, but margins are unbalanced. The top is the narrowest, followed by the bottom, while the left and right margins are wider, with the right being the most generous. This aligns with Fine/Very Fine centering under PSE’s 2009 grading definitions.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp shows the following faults:
Minor Fault: Several ragged, fuzzy, or shorter perforations (about half normal length)
Extremely Minor Fault: Pencil writing on the back
These faults place the stamp in the Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11, consistent with the issue. Several perforations are ragged or shortened but remain intact. Margins are uneven, with the top and bottom sides narrower than the left and right.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black machine cancel consisting of several horizontal wavy lines that cross directly over the portrait. While typical of the issue, the cancel obscures much of the vignette, reducing clarity of the central design. Under PSE classification, this qualifies as a Heavy cancel.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel (–10 points)

Collector’s Note:
Machine cancels are common on this issue. Collectors generally prefer lighter or circular cancels that leave the portrait more visible, so this example is less desirable for eye appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The carmine color remains strong and vivid, with no fading. However, the heavy cancel over the portrait detracts significantly from visual appeal. Adjustment: –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: 880
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Faults (ragged perfs, pencil writing on back) –20 points
Perforations: Perf 11, intact though uneven with ragged edges
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel across portrait (–10 points)
Eye Appeal: –10 points due to cancel interference
Final Grade: 48 (Good/Very Good)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #880 shows Fine/Very Fine centering, but the presence of ragged perforations, pencil writing on the back, and a heavy machine cancel over the portrait reduce its final standing. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it achieves a final grade of 48 (Good/Very Good). It remains a collectible example of the Sousa issue in the Famous Americans series.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (846)

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

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