U. S. Scott #R161 - MNH - Graded Good (SL02-0002-04-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

R161

Stamp Type

Revenues

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1873

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #R161 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
½¢ Orange – Battleship Documentary, 1898
(U.S. Revenue Stamp – Spanish-American War Issue)

Design Overview:
Scott #R161 is a ½¢ denomination revenue stamp issued during the Spanish-American War as part of the 1898 Battleship Documentary series. It features an engraved depiction of a U.S. naval warship flanked by ornate scrollwork. The text “ONE HALF CENT” appears in a banner above the vignette, with “DOCUMENTARY” boldly inscribed below. Printed in orange ink and issued without gum, this stamp is known for rough horizontal rouletting and frequent centering issues. Vertical edges are naturally straight, consistent with its production.

This example is unused, never hinged, and has no gum, as issued. The face remains bright and clean, with strong impression and color.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 32 (Good)
The stamp shows strong intrusion of perforations into the upper design, with the top margin cutting well into the frameline. While the bottom and sides are intact, the severe top-edge imbalance confirms the classification as Good under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, which defines this grade when perforations cut at least 0.2mm into the design.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is structurally intact with no creases, thins, or tears. A faint dirt spot is present on the reverse, which does not show through to the front. This qualifies as a Very Minor Fault, resulting in a –2 point deduction under the PSE grading table.

Perforations and Margins:
This issue is rouletted horizontally with natural straight edges on both the left and right sides. The top margin is very narrow and intrudes into the design, while the bottom margin is fully intact and more generous. All perforations and edges appear genuine, with no signs of trimming or reperforation.

Cancellation:
As an unused, never hinged stamp with no gum (as issued), this example has no cancellation present. No adjustment to eye appeal is applied.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp presents bold color and sharp impression with no face-level blemishes. The dirt spot on the back is not visible from the front and does not detract from visual presentation. As such, no adjustment is made to the grade.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 32 (Good)
Soundness Deduction: –2 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 30
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 30 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: R161
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, No Gum (as issued)
Centering: Good (32)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (light dirt spot on reverse)
Perforations: Horizontally rouletted, natural straight edges at left and right
Cancellation: None
Eye Appeal: No deduction
Final Grade: 30 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This unused, never hinged example of Scott #R161 from the 1898 Battleship Documentary series exhibits significant perforation intrusion into the upper design, resulting in a Good centering grade. The stamp is faultless on the face, with only a very minor dirt spot on the back. Issued without gum and free from cancellation, it earns a final numerical grade of 30 (Good – G) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. This evaluation complies with the 4,000-character standard format limit.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (738)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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