U. S. Scott #C8 - MH - Graded Fine

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

C8

Stamp Type

Air Mail

Condition

Unused

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1926

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #C8 (Unused, Original Gum – Single Stamp)
15¢ Olive Brown – Map of the United States with Biplanes, 1926
(U.S. Airmail Issue – Fourth Series, Type II)

?️ Design Overview
This 1926 airmail issue is part of the classic U.S. “Map” series. It features a detailed map of the United States bordered by two biplanes representing east-to-west flight routes. The rich olive brown color, ornate corner denominations, and bold “AIR MAIL” banner combine to showcase the importance of early aviation in postal history.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (78)
Top Margin: Tightest of the four, but still clearly free of design
Bottom Margin: Well spaced and clean
Left & Right Margins: Slightly off-center rightward
The stamp has full margins all around and is modestly off-center upward and slightly to the right. All sides remain well clear of design elements.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 78

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: Original gum, previously hinged ❗
Back Condition: Shows a light ink transfer near the center and upper half of the gum, with a clear hinge mark
Both the ink transfer and hinge mark together are categorized as Very Minor Faults.
? Soundness Deduction: –6
? Adjusted Base Grade: 78 – 6 = 72

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforations: Fully intact, neatly punched, and uniform ✅
Margins:
Top: Slightly tight
Bottom: Full
Sides: Right slightly narrower than left
The perforations and margins support the Fine/Very Fine centering category and contribute positively to overall presentation.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment Impact
Color Bold olive brown, even throughout ✅ +1
Impression Engraving is crisp and clearly defined ✅ +1
Freshness Mild hinge mark and ink transfer do not affect front ✅ +1
Balance Slight upward and rightward shift, but not visually harsh ⚠️ 0
Visible Faults None visible on the front ✅ +1
? Eye Appeal Bonus: +2
The stamp maintains excellent visual appeal despite the minor gum issues on the back. The front presentation is crisp and balanced, earning a full +2 bonus within your grading structure.

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering Grade 78
Soundness Deduction –6
Subtotal 72
Eye Appeal Bonus +2
Final Grade 74 (Fine) ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number C8
Format Single Stamp
Condition Unused, Hinged
Gum Original Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (78)
Soundness Very Minor Faults – Hinge mark & light ink transfer ❗
Eye Appeal +2 – Bold color, sharp design, clean face
Final Grade 74 (Fine) ✅

? Final Verdict
This Scott #C8 – 15¢ Olive Brown Airmail stamp retains great color and strong centering, with no flaws visible from the front. The hinge mark and light ink transfer on the back result in a modest deduction, but the stamp’s front presentation earns a +2 eye appeal bonus, bringing it to a final grade of 74 (Fine). A solid example of a sought-after early airmail issue. ✈️?

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (670)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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