U. S. Scott #C137 - Used - Graded VF

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

C137

Stamp Type

Air Mail

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

80 (VF)

Year of Issue

2001

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #C137 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp, No Original Gum)
80¢ Mount McKinley, Alaska – 2001
(U.S. Airmail Issue – Scenic America Series, Self-Adhesive)

?️ Design Overview:
This stamp, issued in 2001, features a dramatic photograph of Mount McKinley (Denali) in Alaska, the tallest mountain in North America. The issue is part of the Scenic America series, showcasing the majestic beauty of the U.S. landscape. The 80¢ denomination reflects its use as an international airmail rate. Its cool-toned palette of blues and whites captures the rugged splendor of Denali’s snowy peaks.

This example is used, never hinged, and was issued as a self-adhesive stamp. It has no visible cancellation, and the back shows no original gum, consistent with detached self-adhesive stamps.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (79)
Top Margin: Full and well clear
Bottom Margin: Slightly wider than the top
Left Margin: Wide
Right Margin: Clearly narrower, but does not approach the design
➡️ Margins conform to Fine/Very Fine standards. The framelines are fully visible and the image remains well balanced despite mild asymmetry.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 79

? Soundness Evaluation:
Faults: None visible
Back Condition: Clean surface; some typical light handling marks but no thins, creases, or discoloration
Gum Status: No gum remaining (not considered a fault on used self-adhesive stamps)
Hinging: None; this is a used, never hinged self-adhesive stamp
✅ This stamp is considered Faultless in soundness.
? Soundness Deduction: 0

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Die Cuts: Clean, even spacing typical for the self-adhesive Scenic America series
Edges: Fully intact; no scuffing or pulled perfs
✅ Meets modern production standards.

? Cancellation Classification:
Cancellation: None visible on front
Classification: Treated as uncanceled used
According to the PSE Grading Guide, no visible cancel on a used stamp is considered a bonus to eye appeal

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Assessment Impact
Color & Impression Strong contrast, vivid mountain tones +1
Freshness Clean appearance, no discoloration or wear +1
Cancellation No visible cancel (used) +3
? Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Score
Centering Grade 79
Soundness Deduction 0
Eye Appeal Adjustment +5
Final Numerical Grade 84 ✅

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number C137
Condition Used, Never Hinged, No Gum (Self-Adhesive)
Centering 79 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Faultless
Perforations Clean die cuts, no ragged tips
Cancellation No visible cancel (bonus to eye appeal)
Eye Appeal +5 (color, freshness, uncanceled)
Final Grade 84 (Very Fine – VF) ✅

? Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #C137 exhibits excellent quality across all grading categories. The centering is strong for a self-adhesive issue, and it is faultless in soundness. The absence of a visible cancellation dramatically improves visual appeal, particularly for a used stamp. The resulting final grade of 84 (Very Fine) makes this an especially desirable and collectible representation of modern U.S. airmail.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (579)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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