U. S. Scott #R168 - Used - Graded Good (SL01-0002-08-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

R168

Stamp Type

Revenues

Condition

Used

Centering

VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1898

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #R168 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
10¢ Brown – Battleship Documentary, 1898
(U.S. Revenue Stamp – Spanish-American War Issue)

Design Overview:
Scott #R168 is the 10¢ brown stamp in the 1898 Battleship Documentary revenue series, issued to raise internal revenue during the Spanish-American War. The design features a powerful U.S. warship steaming through the ocean, surrounded by detailed scrollwork and a full-framed vignette. The denomination is displayed prominently in each top corner, with the word "DOCUMENTARY" below the image. This issue was printed on unwatermarked paper and roulette perforated, often resulting in uneven separation.

This example is postally used, previously hinged, and has no original gum remaining. It bears a faint manuscript cancel that does not obstruct the central image.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 84 (Very Fine)
The design is well clear of the perforations on all four sides. The margins are comfortably full, with the narrowest being at the top. The left margin is particularly generous, and the right and bottom also provide good clearance. The slightly uneven balance still qualifies for the Very Fine classification under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has four pulled perforations—clearly below the depth of the perforation holes—primarily visible along the top and bottom edges. In addition, there is light cancel bleed-through visible from the reverse. These faults, taken together, elevate the condition to a Major Fault category.

Perforations and Margins:
The roulettes are mostly clean, though irregularity is evident along the top and bottom where the pulled perfs appear. No signs of reperforation or trimming are present. The margins are ample and not crowded, contributing to the strong centering grade.

Cancellation:
The stamp carries a diagonal black manuscript cancel that cuts across the vignette but does not obscure the ship’s image. The lines are clean, controlled, and lightly applied. Despite crossing the design, it remains legible and unobtrusive. It qualifies as a Light Cancel and does not detract from the stamp’s overall appearance.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The cancel is light and stylistically consistent, adding a slight historic character without being overpowering. Because it is neat and non-obtrusive, no point deduction or bonus is applied for eye appeal in this case.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 84 (Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 39
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 39 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: R168
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Very Fine (84)
Soundness: Major Fault (four pulled perfs, minor cancel bleed-through)
Perforations: Rouletted, with pulled perforations at top and bottom
Cancellation: Light black manuscript, no penalty or bonus
Eye Appeal: 0 point adjustment
Final Grade: 39 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used and hinged example of Scott #R168 shows strong Very Fine centering with wide, clear margins on all sides. The four pulled perforations lower its soundness score to the Major Fault category, and light cancel bleed-through is visible from the reverse. While the manuscript cancel crosses the design, it remains light and unobtrusive. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide and within the 4,000-character format limit, the final numerical grade is 39 (Good – G).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (750)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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