U. S. Scott #R165 - Used - Graded FR/G (SL01-0002-08-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

R165

Stamp Type

Revenues

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1898

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #R165 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
3¢ Deep Blue – Battleship Documentary, 1898
(U.S. Revenue Stamp – Spanish-American War Issue)

Design Overview:
Scott #R165 is a 3¢ documentary revenue stamp from the 1898 Battleship series, issued to support Spanish-American War funding. The design depicts a steel naval warship sailing through turbulent waters, framed by ornamental scrollwork. “THREE CENTS” appears at the top, and “DOCUMENTARY” spans the bottom of the frame. The stamp was printed in deep blue on unwatermarked paper and is known for uneven rouletting and frequent manuscript or handstamp cancels.

This example is used, previously hinged, and has no original gum. It exhibits bold ink impression and excellent design clarity, with a faint cancel confined to the right margin.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Margins are clear of the design on all four sides. The bottom margin is the narrowest, and the right margin is the widest. The left and top are slightly tight but remain clear. The overall balance, though slightly off in two directions, meets the Fine/Very Fine standard under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
Two small tears are visible: one along the left edge and one near the lower right. In addition, the top edge shows several short, irregular rouletted perforation tips. These combined faults meet the definition of a Severe Fault under PSE standards due to the structural tears and weakened top edge.

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is rouletted on all four sides. The top edge contains short and incomplete perforation tips consistent with rough separation. The left and right edges each exhibit a small tear near the margin. There are no signs of reperforation or trimming. The bottom is the tightest margin; the right is the most generous.

Cancellation:
A faint bluish handstamp is visible near the right edge of the stamp. It does not obstruct the central vignette, inscriptions, or frame lines. The cancel is unobtrusive and qualifies as a Light Cancel, enhancing overall appearance without detracting from design clarity.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Due to the placement and subtlety of the cancel, which leaves the entire design fully legible and unobscured, the stamp receives a +5 point bonus under the 2009 PSE Eye Appeal guidelines.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –55 (Severe Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 22
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 (Light Cancel Bonus)
Final Grade: 27 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: R165
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Fine/Very Fine (77)
Soundness: Severe Fault (tiny tears at left and right; short roulettes at top)
Perforations: Rough and short at top; small edge tears left and right
Cancellation: Light bluish cancel at right edge
Eye Appeal: +5 bonus for unobtrusive cancel
Final Grade: 27 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #R165 shows strong impression and Fine/Very Fine centering with margins clear of the design. Though structurally impacted by two edge tears and rough top perforations, the light bluish cancel is minimally invasive and enhances eye appeal. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide and within the 4,000-character standard format, this stamp earns a final numerical grade of 27 (Fair/Good – FR/G).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (941)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions