U. S. Scott #893 - Used - Graded G/VG (LA01-0053-03-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

893

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 #893 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
10¢ Brown – Alexander Graham Bell, 1940
(Famous Americans Series – Engraved, Perf 11x10½, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #893 is the 10¢ value from the 1940 Famous Americans issue, honoring Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone. The design features Bell in a finely engraved portrait printed in brown, framed within a rectangular border with his name and denomination at left above a symbolic telecommunication motif. This submitted example is postally used, hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is clear of the perforations, though margins are unbalanced. The right margin is the narrowest, the left the widest, and the top margin narrower than the bottom. Under PSE standards, this corresponds to Fine/Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
The following faults are present:
Very Minor Fault: Corner perf crease (x2)
Very Minor Fault: One shorter to short perf, less than half normal length (x2)
This combination constitutes a Minor Fault classification under the 2009 PSE Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11x10½ as issued. All perforations are present, though two are shortened and two corners show light creases. Margins remain uneven but consistent with the Fine/Very Fine centering call.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The cancel is a black circular strike crossing the denomination and extending into Bell’s portrait. It obscures parts of the design and text, classifying as a Heavy cancel under PSE guidelines.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel

Collector’s Note:
Circular cancels are common on this issue, but lighter, less intrusive strikes are far more desirable. Placement on the denomination and portrait significantly detracts from the appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The brown impression remains strong, but the heavy cancel detracts from overall clarity and design balance. This warrants a deduction of –10 points per PSE eye appeal guidelines.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 56 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 46 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 893
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (two corner creases, two short perfs)
Perforations: Perf 11x10½, intact but with noted faults
Cancellation: Heavy black circular cancel obscuring denomination and portrait
Eye Appeal: –10 deduction
Final Grade: 46 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #893 shows Fine/Very Fine centering but is held back by multiple minor perforation faults and a heavy cancel obscuring key elements of the design. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it earns a Good/Very Good grade and remains a collectible, if lower-grade, representative of the Famous Americans series.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (830)

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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