U. S. Scott #R167 - Used - Graded VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

R167

Stamp Type

Revenues

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1898

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #R167 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Violet – Battleship Documentary, 1898
(U.S. Revenue Stamp – Spanish-American War Issue)

Design Overview:
Scott #R167 is the 5¢ denomination in the 1898 Battleship Documentary series, issued during the Spanish-American War to fund military expenditures through internal revenue taxes. The central vignette shows a heavily armed U.S. naval battleship at sea, with fine-line engraving and scrollwork typical of the era. The denomination appears in the top corners and the word “DOCUMENTARY” runs across the bottom border. The stamp was printed in violet ink on unwatermarked paper and is known for coarse, irregular roulette perforations.

This example is used, previously hinged, and no longer retains its original gum. The front is struck with a large purple handstamp cancel.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The margins are clear of the design on all four sides. The left margin is the narrowest, and the right margin is the most generous. The bottom is tighter than the top, giving a slight visual imbalance in two directions. Nonetheless, it clearly qualifies as Fine/Very Fine under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp shows several irregular or ragged perforations, particularly along the left and top edges. None are severely shortened or broken, but they are uneven enough to merit classification as a Minor Fault. No creases, tears, or thins are present, and the back is relatively clean aside from hinging evidence.

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is rouletted on all four sides. The left and top edges display some blunt or fuzzy perforation tips. The bottom and right sides show cleaner, more defined separation. Margins are well within expected tolerances for the series. There is no evidence of trimming or reperforation.

Cancellation:
A large purple handstamp cancel covers the majority of the central vignette, including the battleship and surrounding frame. Although the cancel is full and moderately dark, it remains readable and somewhat symmetrical, rather than smudged or obliterating. The cancel qualifies as Moderate under the PSE scale. Due to its size and placement across the vignette, it warrants a modest reduction in eye appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
While the cancel is neither unsightly nor blotchy, its placement across the design and consistent tone does diminish visual clarity. A –5 point deduction is applied for Moderate cancellation impact.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 (Moderate Cancel)
Final Grade: 52 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: R167
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Fine/Very Fine (77)
Soundness: Minor Fault (ragged or fuzzy perfs)
Perforations: Uneven at top and left; clean at right and bottom
Cancellation: Large purple handstamp cancel, Moderate
Eye Appeal: –5 point deduction
Final Grade: 52 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This used and hinged example of Scott #R167 shows solid Fine/Very Fine centering and bold color. Minor perforation faults are present but do not rise above the Minor Fault threshold. A large purple cancel impacts the central design enough to warrant a moderate penalty. Based on the 2009 PSE Grading Guide and staying within the 4,000-character limit, the stamp receives a final grade of 52 (Very Good – VG).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (721)

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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