U. S. Scott #882 - Used - Graded VG/F (LA01-0053-01-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

882

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 #882 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – Edward A. MacDowell, 1940
(Famous Americans Series – Engraved, Perf 11, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #882 was issued in 1940 as part of the Famous Americans series, commemorating composer Edward A. MacDowell, one of the first American composers to gain international recognition for his orchestral and piano works. The engraved design presents his portrait within an oval frame flanked by laurel branches, with “5¢” appearing at lower left and “EDWARD A. MacDOWELL” inscribed below. The submitted example is postally used, hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforations are well clear of the design, but margins are uneven. The right margin is the narrowest, followed by the bottom, while the left margin is the widest. This places the stamp in the Fine/Very Fine centering category under the PSE 2009 standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp shows the following fault:
Extremely Minor Fault: One shorter perf, about half normal length
This constitutes an Extremely Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –3 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11, consistent with the issue. Perforations are intact overall, though one is shorter than normal. Margins are uneven, with the right and bottom narrower than the top and left.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The cancellation is a bold black circular date stamp applied diagonally, overlapping the right side of the vignette and partly obscuring the portrait. This qualifies as a Heavy cancel under PSE grading guidelines.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel (–10 points)

Collector’s Note:
Collectors typically favor lighter strikes or cancels that avoid the face. While this cancel is strong and confirms genuine use, its placement reduces visual desirability.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp retains strong blue color and clear impression. However, the heavy cancel reduces balance and portrait clarity. Eye appeal adjustment: –10 points.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –3 (Extremely Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 73
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 63 (Very Good–Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 882
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Extremely Minor Fault (shorter perf) –3 points
Perforations: Perf 11, intact with one shorter perf
Cancellation: Heavy cancel overlapping portrait (–10 points)
Eye Appeal: –10 points due to heavy cancel placement
Final Grade: 63 (Very Good–Fine)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #882 presents Fine/Very Fine centering, with strong color and intact perforations. A shorter perf and a heavy cancel across the vignette reduce the final grade to 63 (Very Good–Fine) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. It remains a collectible example of the Edward MacDowell issue in the Famous Americans series.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (832)

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