U. S. Scott #E7 - Used - Graded Fair (LA01-0528-04-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

E7

Stamp Type

Special Delivery

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1908

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #E7 (Used, Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
10¢ Green Helmet of Mercury and Olive Branch, 1908
(U.S. Special Delivery Issue – Symbolic Delivery Allegory)

Design Overview:
Scott #E7, issued in 1908, introduced a shift from action-based to symbolic imagery for U.S. Special Delivery stamps. The design features Mercury’s winged helmet resting beside an olive branch, representing speed and peace. Printed in deep green by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the design is anchored by the inscription: “U.S. POSTAGE · SPECIAL DELIVERY,” framed in a classical panel beneath the vignette.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 54 (Very Good – VG)
The top margin is extremely narrow with perforations that appear to touch or slightly cut into the design. The bottom margin is full and well-balanced, the left margin is narrow, and the right margin is adequate. At the upper margin, the perforations clearly touch the design, consistent with the Very Good (54) definition in the 2009 PSE Grading Guide: “The perforations actually touch, appear to touch, or very slightly cut into the frameline of the design. Margin ranges from about 0.1mm to –0.1mm.”

Soundness Evaluation:
Two very minor faults are present: a hinge remnant and dirt smudging/spotting on the back. These combined qualify as a Minor Fault under the PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points
Combined Base Grade (VG centering + Minor Fault): 34 (Good – G)

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations are intact and well-formed on all four sides, with slight compression at the top where they cut into the design. Margins are tightest at the top, good width at the bottom, and adequate at the sides.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears overlapping black circular and machine cancel strikes. Multiple cancels cross over the “10¢” value circle, Mercury’s helmet, olive branch, and the lower inscription panel. One portion of the cancel is a dark bar with a visible “605” number at the top right. The dense black ink obscures central vignette and portions of the text, making the design recognizable but visually dominated by the cancel.
Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Eye Appeal Evaluation:
The stamp retains deep green color that is consistent and fully saturated. However, the central elements are heavily obscured by the cancel. Faults on the back are not visible from the front.
Net Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade (Very Good): 54
Soundness Deduction (Minor Fault): –20
Base Grade: 34
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Very Heavy Cancel): –15
Final Grade: 19 (Fair – F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: E7
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 54 (Very Good – VG) – perforations touch the top of the design
Soundness: Minor Fault – hinge remnant and dirt spotting on the back
Perforations: Fully intact; compressed slightly at the top
Cancellation: Very Heavy cancel, dark, layered, and covering major elements
Eye Appeal: –15 points for heavy cancel interference
Final Grade: 19 (Fair – F)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #E7 presents tight margins with perforations that touch the top of the design, qualifying it as Very Good (54) for centering. While its faults (hinge remnant and back smudging) are minor, the very heavy cancellation obscures much of the central design. With a –15 eye appeal deduction, the final grade is 19 (Fair – F) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (714)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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