U. S. Scott #R162 - Used - Graded FR/G (SL01-0002-05-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

R162

Stamp Type

Revenues

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1898

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #R162 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
½¢ Gray Black – Battleship Documentary, 1898
(U.S. Revenue Stamp – Spanish-American War Issue)

Design Overview:
Scott #R162 is part of the 1898 Battleship Documentary revenue series, issued to support federal wartime taxation during the Spanish-American War. The design features an engraved image of a U.S. naval warship navigating turbulent waters, framed by elaborate scrollwork. The denomination “ONE HALF CENT” appears in a ribbon above the vignette, and “DOCUMENTARY” is boldly printed at the bottom. Printed in gray black ink, these stamps were issued without gum and are commonly found with manuscript cancels and rugged perforations.

This example is used, previously hinged, and shows no remaining original gum. A bold black manuscript cancel is prominently applied across the center of the stamp.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp's design is clear of the perforation holes on all four sides. The left margin is the narrowest, with the top margin also relatively tight. The right and bottom margins are the widest. The balance is slightly off in two directions, but remains comfortably within the Fine/Very Fine range according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits multiple faults. A severe horizontal crease is visible from the back and disturbs the paper texture through the center of the stamp. An additional moderate crease runs diagonally and intersects the first. The back also shows discoloration, particularly near the top right, along with ragged and shortened perforations—especially along the left and bottom edges. Light cancel bleed-through is visible but does not show prominently on the front. Together, these faults—most significantly the severe crease—qualify the stamp for a Severe Fault designation under PSE criteria.

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated on all four sides, with several fuzzy or shortened perforation tips on the left and lower edges. The perforations are original, with no signs of trimming or reperforation. The margins are tightest at the left and top, with better spacing on the right and bottom.

Cancellation:
The stamp bears a strong black manuscript cancel that bisects the design diagonally. Although bold, it does not fully obscure the ship vignette and leaves the major design elements visible. This qualifies as a Moderate Cancel under PSE guidelines.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The bold manuscript cancel reduces overall clarity slightly but does not fully obstruct the design. The creases and discoloration are primarily visible on the reverse and do not significantly diminish the face. No additional eye appeal deduction is warranted beyond the structural faults already included in the base grade.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –55 (Severe Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 23 (Fair/Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 23 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: R162
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Fine/Very Fine (78)
Soundness: Severe Fault (severe and moderate creases, discoloration, ragged perfs, cancel bleed-through)
Perforations: Several short or fuzzy, especially bottom and left
Cancellation: Bold black manuscript, Moderate Cancel
Eye Appeal: No deduction
Final Grade: 23 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #R162 features Fine/Very Fine centering and an intact but uneven perforation pattern. It is significantly affected by a severe crease, a secondary moderate crease, discoloration, and additional minor flaws on the reverse. While the manuscript cancel is bold, it does not fully obscure the design and does not result in an eye appeal penalty. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide and within the 4,000-character standard format, the final numerical grade is 23 (Fair/Good – FR/G).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (747)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Bids
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions