U. S. Scott #R163 - Used - Graded Good (SL01-0002-06-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

R163

Stamp Type

Revenues

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1898

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #R163 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Blue – Battleship Documentary, 1898
(U.S. Revenue Stamp – Spanish-American War Issue)

Design Overview:
Scott #R163 is a 1¢ documentary revenue stamp issued as part of the 1898 Battleship series to raise funds for the Spanish-American War. The design features a central vignette of a battleship at sea, engraved in blue ink and framed by ornate scrollwork. The text “ONE CENT” appears above the ship, while “DOCUMENTARY” is inscribed prominently at the base. This issue was printed on unwatermarked paper and typically shows rough perforation quality due to the production standards of the era.

The example evaluated here is postally used, has no remaining gum, and was previously hinged. The stamp shows faint residual ink marks from cancellation and exhibits standard printing quality for the issue.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is well clear of the perforation holes on all sides. The bottom margin is the narrowest, followed by the right margin, while the left and top margins are wider and more balanced. The visible frame lines on all sides with a slight imbalance in two directions place the centering in the Fine/Very Fine category per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp displays multiple faults. The most significant is the presence of several faulty perforations, particularly on the bottom and left sides. Some perforation tips are short, pulled, or clipped, reducing the structural integrity. Additionally, the reverse shows evidence of light blue ink transfer, likely from stacking or contact with another stamp, though it does not affect the face. These faults collectively meet the threshold for a Major Fault classification.

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated on all four sides, but the lower row and left edge show irregularities with multiple short or damaged perforation tips. There is no evidence of reperforation or trimming. Margin balance is uneven, with the bottom margin being the narrowest and the left the most generous. All design elements remain intact within the borders.

Cancellation:
There is no clear visible cancel on the front of the stamp, though a faint, partial ink offset is apparent in the background. The cancel is light enough that it does not obstruct the design and does not qualify as a heavy or moderate cancel under PSE guidelines. It meets the criteria for a Light Cancel, but the effect is negligible.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color and impression are strong. The faint cancel does not detract from the visual appeal, and the minor ink transfer on the back is not visible from the front. No deduction is applied for eye appeal.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 32
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 32 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: R163
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Fine/Very Fine (77)
Soundness: Major Fault (faulty perforations, light ink transfer on back)
Perforations: Several clipped or short perforations, especially bottom and left
Cancellation: Very light and faint; not visually obstructive
Eye Appeal: No deduction
Final Grade: 32 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #R163 presents decent Fine/Very Fine centering with full design clarity. However, the presence of multiple faulty perforations and ink transfer on the reverse qualify it for a Major Fault classification. The light cancel and strong color preserve the stamp’s overall appeal. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final numerical grade is 32 (Good – G). This analysis adheres to the 4,000-character format standard.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (722)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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