U. S. Scott #R164 - Used - Graded FR/G

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

R164

Stamp Type

Revenues

Condition

Used

Centering

VF/XF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1898

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #R164 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – Battleship Documentary, 1898
(U.S. Revenue Stamp – Spanish-American War Issue)

Design Overview:
Scott #R164 is a 2¢ carmine documentary revenue stamp issued as part of the 1898 Battleship series to fund U.S. military efforts during the Spanish-American War. The design depicts a detailed engraving of a naval battleship with billowing smoke, set against stylized scrollwork. The denomination “TWO CENTS” is inscribed at the top, with “DOCUMENTARY” boldly printed across the bottom panel. These stamps were printed on unwatermarked paper and are commonly found with manuscript cancels and coarse perforations.

This example is used, previously hinged, and has no remaining original gum. It features a strong black manuscript cancel across the central vignette and exhibits deep carmine ink with a slightly shifted print impression.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 89 (Very Fine/Extremely Fine)
The margins are full on all sides. The left margin is the widest, while the top margin is slightly narrower than the others. The right and bottom are slightly tighter but still clear of the design. There is visible margin in all directions and good visual balance, meeting the standard for Very Fine to Extremely Fine centering as defined in the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp displays multiple faults. At least two small tears are visible on close inspection: one near the bottom left edge and another near the right center. These tears are clear upon backlighting and qualify as a Severe Fault. In addition, several perforations, especially at the bottom and top edges, are clipped or shortened. A faint ink transfer from the front design appears on the reverse but does not affect the face. These combined issues meet the PSE classification for Severe Fault.

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated on all four sides. Some of the perforations, especially along the bottom and top, are short or irregular. No signs of trimming or reperforation are evident. Margin size varies slightly but maintains clearance around the design.

Cancellation:
A bold black manuscript cancel crosses the central vignette diagonally, obscuring the battleship and affecting the visual clarity of the design. Though the cancel is complete and legible, its intensity reduces visibility of the ship and lower detail. This qualifies as a Very Heavy Cancel under the PSE eye appeal grading criteria.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Due to the visual disruption caused by the bold manuscript cancel, the stamp receives a –10 point deduction for a Very Heavy Cancel. The ink transfer on the back is minor and does not affect the stamp’s front appearance.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 89 (Very Fine/Extremely Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –55 (Severe Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 34
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 24 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: R164
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Very Fine/Extremely Fine (89)
Soundness: Severe Fault (multiple tears, clipped/short perfs, ink transfer on back)
Perforations: Multiple short and irregular, especially top and bottom
Cancellation: Bold black manuscript, Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal: –10 point deduction
Final Grade: 24 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #R164 shows excellent centering with full margins, meeting the Very Fine/Extremely Fine standard. However, the stamp is significantly affected by two visible tears and several defective perforations, resulting in a Severe Fault classification. The heavy manuscript cancel further reduces the visual appeal. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide and within the 4,000-character standard format, the final numerical grade is 24 (Fair/Good – FR/G).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (733)

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