U. S. Scott #888 - Used - [LA01-0053-02-05]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

888

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 #888 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
10¢ Brown – Frederic Remington, 1940
(Famous Americans Series – Engraved, Perf 11x10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #888 is the 10¢ denomination from the 1940 Famous Americans series, issued to honor Frederic Remington, the renowned American artist, sculptor, and illustrator of the American West. The design features a detailed portrait of Remington within an oval laurel frame, with painter’s tools and a palette symbolizing his profession. Printed in brown by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the example here is postally used, never hinged, and shows no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clear of the perforations, though the margins are noticeably uneven. The bottom margin is the narrowest, the right margin the widest, while the left is slightly more narrow than the top. These proportions fall into the Fine/Very Fine centering category per PSE standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows the following faults:
Very Minor Fault: Corner perf crease
Extremely Minor Fault: One shorter perf, about half normal length (x2)
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this combination constitutes a Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
Issued with gauge 11x10½ perforations, this stamp retains intact perfs but with two shortened tips and one corner crease. The margins are narrow at the bottom and better balanced at the right, reflecting the Fine/Very Fine centering grade.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The cancel is a black strike that falls heavily across the portrait and inscription. It obscures much of Remington’s facial detail and the surrounding design. This qualifies as a Very Heavy cancel under PSE guidelines.
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel

Collector’s Note:
Famous Americans issues are abundant, but their marketability depends heavily on cancel quality. Heavier cancels, as seen here, are much less desirable compared to lighter strikes.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp retains its original strong color and impression, but the very heavy cancel detracts significantly from the portrait and overall balance. Per PSE guidelines, this merits a deduction of –15 points.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 58 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 43 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 888
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (corner crease, shortened perfs)
Perforations: Perf 11x10½, intact but with shortened and creased tips
Cancellation: Very Heavy cancel obscuring portrait and inscription
Eye Appeal: –15 deduction
Final Grade: 43 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #888 shows Fine/Very Fine centering but is limited by a combination of minor perf faults and a very heavy cancellation that severely diminishes eye appeal. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it earns a final grade of Good/Very Good, remaining a serviceable but lower-tier collectible.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (939)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions