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

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, Hinged – Single Stamp)
31¢ High Jumper – 1980 Summer Olympics
(U.S. Airmail Issue – Commemorating Olympic Athleticism)

?️ Design Overview
Issued in 1980 to mark the Summer Olympic Games, this airmail stamp showcases a high jumper at the peak of their leap using the Fosbury Flop technique. The powerful silhouette of the athlete in red, green, and white contrasts vividly against a flat blue background. Bold inscriptions—“Airmail,” “USA,” and “31¢”—underscore the stamp’s American origin and Olympic purpose. This piece reflects a moment of athletic excellence and patriotic pride.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (77)
Top Margin: Slightly compressed but clearly away from the design
Bottom Margin: More generous and cleanly framed
Side Margins: Balanced with strong white space on both left and right
Overall Appearance: Symmetrical and cleanly framed on all four sides
? Assigned Centering Grade: 77

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: No gum (as used; not a fault)
Hinging: Hinge remnant clearly visible on back
Additional Issues: Light dirt smudging visible on the back
Fault Classification:
Very Minor Faults:
Hinge mark/remnant
Dirt spotting on reverse
Combined Classification: Minor Fault (two very minor faults)
? Soundness Deduction: –20
? Adjusted Base Grade: 57

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforation Quality: Fully intact, no short or pulled perforations
Margins:
Top margin slightly tight, but clear
Bottom margin clean and wide
Side margins symmetrical and unobstructed
Conclusion: All margins fully clear of design, consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering

? Cancellation Evaluation
Type: Light black circular cancel
Placement: Upper margin, arcing through the white space above the jumper
Coverage: Does not obstruct the design or face of the figure
Obscuration: Minimal
? Cancellation Classification: Light
? Impact: Very low—nonintrusive and limited to upper white space

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment Impact
Color Strong contrast, no fading +1
Impression Clean, sharp registration +1
Freshness Slightly dulled back, clean front 0
Balance Slight compression top, but otherwise centered 0
Visible Faults None visible from front 0
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering Grade 77
Soundness Deduction –20
Subtotal 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment +2
Final Grade 59 ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number C97
Format Single Stamp
Condition Used, Hinged
Gum No Gum (as used – not a fault)
Centering Fine/Very Fine (77)
Soundness Minor Fault – Hinge remnant & dirt smudging
Eye Appeal +2 – Light cancel, strong color and sharp design
Final Grade 59 (Very Good) ✅

? Final Verdict
This used example of Scott #C97 maintains strong visual integrity, with bold color, excellent centering, and an unobtrusive light cancel. Though it shows minor wear on the reverse—a hinge remnant and some light smudging—these do not affect its front appearance. With no structural flaws or obstructions, it earns a solid Final Grade of 59 (Very Good), reflecting its collector appeal despite minor backside flaws.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (579)

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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