U. S. Scott #C11 - Unused - Graded VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

C11

Stamp Type

Air Mail

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1928

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #C11 (Unused, Original Gum – Single Stamp)
5¢ Carmine & Blue – Beacon Airmail, 1928
(Coastal Beacon with Biplane – Bi-color Offset Issue)

?️ Design Overview
The 1928 Beacon Airmail stamp was issued to commemorate the expanding role of aviation in U.S. mail delivery. Its striking bi-color engraving features a tall coastal beacon guiding an overhead biplane across stormy seas. The carmine frame and blue vignette signify the patriotic and technical spirit of early airmail service, and the stamp is beloved for its bold visual contrast.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (78)
Top Margin: Narrow
Bottom Margin: Slightly wider but still tight
Left & Right Margins: Fairly balanced
Visual Centering: Slightly high and left; meets the F/VF standard
? Assigned Centering Grade: 78

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: Original gum, hinged ❗
Back Condition:
Light discoloration present, particularly along the upper center
Blue vignette printing is significantly shifted within the carmine frame — an Extremely Minor Fault as it does not affect the stamp’s condition but does detract from the ideal alignment

Faults Summary:
? Very Minor Fault: Slight discoloration
? Extremely Minor Fault: Bi-color vignette shift
? Soundness Deduction: –6
? Adjusted Base Grade: 78 – 6 = 72

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforations: Fully intact with no pulled or blunt perforations ✅
Margins:
Top: Narrow, approaching minimum requirement
Bottom: Acceptable with enough white space
Sides: Balanced and proportional
Margins support the assigned Fine/Very Fine centering, although they lean toward the Fine side of the range.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment Impact
Color Carmine frame strong, blue vignette is off-center ⚠️ –1
Impression Sharp lines and details preserved ✅ 0
Freshness Slight toning/discoloration on back ⚠️ –1
Balance Vignette misalignment affects visual harmony ⚠️ –1
Visible Faults None visible on face ✅ 0
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –3
The significant vignette shift and light discoloration, though not major faults, slightly detract from overall visual harmony and justify a conservative deduction of 3 points.

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering Grade 78
Soundness Deduction –6
Subtotal 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment –3
Final Grade 69 (Very Good-Fine) ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number C11
Format Single Stamp
Condition Unused, Hinged
Gum Original Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (78)
Soundness Very Minor Fault – Light discoloration ❗
Extremely Minor Fault – Vignette misalignment ⚠️
Eye Appeal –3 – Bi-color shift and slight tone detract
Final Grade 69 (Very Good–Fine) ✅

? Final Verdict
This Scott #C11 – 5¢ Beacon Airmail stamp remains a visually engaging issue with rich colors and complete perforations. The original gum and hinge mark are expected for its era, while the bi-color misalignment and faint discoloration slightly affect its presentation. With a final grade of 69 (Very Good–Fine), it offers solid value for collectors who appreciate early airmail issues and classic engraving techniques. ✈️??

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (670)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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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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