U. S. Scott #C97 - Used - Graded VG/F

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

C97

Stamp Type

Air Mail

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

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 – Commemorating Olympic Athleticism)

?️ Design Overview
The 1980 U.S. airmail stamp honors the Olympic Games with a dynamic portrayal of a high jumper in action, captured at the peak of a Fosbury Flop over the bar. Designed in a minimalist yet bold style, the stamp uses vivid blue, red, green, and white to highlight both the athletic figure and the modern graphic composition. The inscription “Airmail Olympics 1980” at lower left and “USA 31¢” at right make this stamp a visually appealing tribute to international sport and national pride.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (78)
Top Margin: Balanced and generous
Bottom Margin: Slightly narrower, but clearly clear of the design
Side Margins: Left and right both comfortably clear
Framing: Design well-centered with clean visual margins
? Assigned Centering Grade: 78

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: No gum (used; not a fault)
Hinging: Never hinged
Fault Detected:
Very Minor Fault: Light cancellation bleed-through visible on back
? Fault Classification: Very Minor Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –6
? Adjusted Base Grade: 72

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforation Quality: Fully intact, evenly punched
Margins: Excellent on top and sides; slightly tighter at the bottom
Conclusion: Perfs and margins meet Fine/Very Fine standards

? Cancellation Evaluation
Type: Machine cancel – black wavy lines
Coverage:
Crosses through entire stamp in horizontal waves
Passes over the athlete’s head, torso, bar, and “USA” area
“31¢” and parts of the design remain legible
Obscuration: Obvious, but doesn’t obliterate any single feature
? Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy
? Impact: Significant design interference

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment Impact
Color Rich and vivid colors throughout +1
Impression Crisp printing and detail +1
Freshness Excellent overall presentation +1
Balance Slight compression at bottom, not distracting 0
Visible Faults Heavy cancel obscures some design elements –10
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: –7

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering Grade 78
Soundness Deduction –6
Subtotal 72
Eye Appeal Adjustment –7
Final Grade 65 ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number C97
Format Single Stamp
Condition Used, Never Hinged
Gum No Gum (as used – not a fault)
Centering Fine/Very Fine (78)
Soundness Very Minor Fault – Light cancellation bleed
Eye Appeal –7 – Heavy machine cancel obscures key details
Final Grade 65 (Very Good–Fine) ✅

? Final Verdict
This used example of Scott #C97 offers solid technical characteristics—excellent centering, intact perforations, and vivid coloration. However, a very heavy machine cancel visually interferes with several parts of the design, including the athlete's head and torso. With a light cancellation bleed-through on the back as its only fault, the stamp still earns a respectable Final Grade of 65 (Very Good–Fine), and remains appealing for thematic or specialized Olympic collections.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (583)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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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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