U. S. Scott #C97 - Used - Graded Fine

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

C97

Stamp Type

Air Mail

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1979

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #C97 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
31¢ High Jumper – 1980 Summer Olympics
(U.S. Airmail Issue – Celebrating Olympic Athletics)

?️ Design Overview
This vibrant 1980 airmail stamp captures the elegance and athleticism of a high jumper mid-flight using the Fosbury Flop technique. Designed for the 1980 Summer Olympic Games, the composition features a bold blue background, contrasting with the athlete’s dynamic green, red, and white uniform. The inscription “Airmail – Olympics 1980” appears at lower left, while “USA” and the denomination “31¢” stand boldly at right, anchoring the stamp with patriotic flair.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (77)
Top Margin: Slightly narrow but fully clear of the design
Bottom Margin: More generous and balanced
Side Margins: Both evenly spaced and fully clear of design elements
Overall: Centering is just short of extremely fine, with all margins showing clear white space
? Assigned Centering Grade: 77

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: No gum (as used; not a fault)
Hinging: Never hinged
Faults Detected: No thins, creases, tears, or perf irregularities present
? Fault Classification: Faultless
? Soundness Deduction: –0
? Adjusted Base Grade: 77

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforation Quality: All perfs intact, regular, and well-formed
Margins:
Top: Slightly compressed
Bottom: Balanced and full
Sides: Symmetrical, fully clear of design
Design Integrity: No encroachment or crowding of design by perforations

? Cancellation Evaluation
Type: Violet cancel in angled arc/splatter pattern
Coverage:
Cuts diagonally through lower third of the design
Covers “Airmail” and part of the jumper’s lower leg and shorts
USA and face/upper torso are not touched
Obscuration: Moderate visual interference, but the primary subject and denomination remain legible
? Cancellation Classification: Moderate
? Eye Appeal Impact: Some visual disruption, but not severe

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment Impact
Color Strong saturation, vivid green/red/blue +1
Impression Clear printing with excellent detail +1
Freshness Clean face, no toning or paper dullness +1
Balance Slight top heaviness, not visually distracting 0
Visible Faults Cancellation visible, but doesn’t overwhelm –4
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –1
(Positive visual elements offset moderate cancellation)

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering Grade 77
Soundness Deduction –0
Subtotal 77
Eye Appeal Adjustment –4
Final Grade 73 ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number C97
Format Single Stamp
Condition Used, Never Hinged
Gum No Gum (used; not a fault)
Centering Fine/Very Fine (77)
Soundness Faultless
Eye Appeal –4 – Cancellation crosses part of lower design
Final Grade 73 (Fine/Very Fine) ✅

? Final Verdict
This used example of Scott #C97 boasts sharp centering, full margins, and fault-free structure. While the violet cancellation crosses the lower portion of the design—affecting the word “Airmail” and part of the athlete’s leg—it does not obscure the focal imagery or denomination. With its strong color, clear impression, and structural integrity, this stamp earns a Final Grade of 73 (Fine/Very Fine)—an attractive collectible from the 1980 Olympic airmail series.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (637)

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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