U. S. Scott #C8 - MH - Graded G/VG (LA01-0516-03-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

C8

Stamp Type

Air Mail

Condition

Unused

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1926

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #C8 (Unused, Hinged, Original Gum – Single Stamp)
15¢ Olive Brown – Map of U.S. with Biplanes, 1926
(U.S. Airmail Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #C8 was issued in 1926 as part of the early U.S. Airmail series. The design features a detailed map of the continental United States, flanked by biplanes flying east and west, symbolizing the expanding network of transcontinental airmail service. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” is inscribed at the top, with “AIR MAIL” in bold beneath, and “15 CENTS” displayed at the bottom corners. Printed by flat plate intaglio and perforated 11, the issue is known for its bold, symbolic design.

This example is unused, hinged, and retains original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The stamp’s centering qualifies as Fine, with perforations coming close to the design at the top and left but leaving a narrow band of visible white space. The bottom margin is the widest, followed by the right. The overall balance is slightly off, but margins meet the minimum standards for Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows a hinge remnant and light ink transfer on the reverse. These constitute two very minor faults, placing it in the Minor Fault category under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11 on all sides. Perforations are intact and evenly punched, with no signs of trimming or reperforation. Margins reflect the centering grade: narrow at top and left, generous at right and bottom.

Cancellation Evaluation:
This is an unused example and bears no cancellation.

Collector’s Note:
Unused hinged airmails from the 1926 series are collectible, though hinging reduces desirability relative to never hinged examples. Strong color and intact perforations, as seen here, support overall appeal despite reduced grade.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The olive brown ink remains bold and even, with sharp engraved detail across the map and planes. The hinge and ink transfer are not visible from the face, so they do not affect the presentation. No adjustment is required.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Minor Faults: hinge remnant, ink transfer)
Adjusted Base Grade: 40
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 40 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: C8
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 70 (Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (hinge remnant, ink transfer on reverse)
Perforations: Perf 11, intact and consistent with the issue
Cancellation: None (unused example)
Eye Appeal: Bold color and strong impression, no deduction
Final Grade: 40 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This unused, hinged example of Scott #C8 shows Fine centering with intact perforations and strong olive brown color. A hinge remnant and light ink transfer on the reverse reduce the grade to 40 (Good/Very Good). It remains a collectible example of the issue under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (831)

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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