U. S. Scott #R170 - Used - Graded Good (SL01-0002-09-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

R170

Stamp Type

Revenues

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #R170 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
40¢ Violet – Battleship Documentary, 1898
(U.S. Revenue Stamp – Spanish-American War Issue)

Design Overview:
Scott #R170 is the 40¢ value from the 1898 Battleship Documentary series, issued to fund the Spanish-American War through internal revenue taxation. The design features an engraved depiction of a U.S. naval warship, framed by scrollwork and engraved text. The denomination appears in each top corner, with the words “FORTY CENTS” spanning the top and “DOCUMENTARY” at the base. Printed in violet ink on unwatermarked paper, the stamp is rouletted on all sides.

This example is used, has been previously hinged, and retains no original gum. A green handstamp cancel is visible over the vignette.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Margins are comfortably clear of the design on all four sides. The bottom margin is the narrowest, while the left is the most generous. The top and right margins fall in between, creating slight directional imbalance that remains within Fine/Very Fine standards per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits several short or pulled perforations, particularly along the top and bottom edges. These irregularities are noticeable and qualify as a Major Fault. On the reverse, light pencil writing is present in the lower right corner, constituting an Extremely Minor Fault. There are no creases, tears, or thins observed.

Perforations and Margins:
Rouletted perforations show some inconsistency along the top and bottom. The left and right edges are relatively cleaner, with no signs of trimming or reperforation. Margins are complete on all sides and contribute positively to the overall presentation.

Cancellation:
A green handstamp cancel crosses the central vignette, touching parts of the battleship design but not obscuring key details. It is legible, not overly dark, and well-positioned. Its moderate presence has a neutral impact on overall eye appeal—neither enhancing nor significantly detracting from the stamp's appearance.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The cancel is moderately applied and well-aligned with the design. It neither improves nor worsens the visual quality enough to justify a point adjustment.

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

Final Summary:
Scott Number: R170
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Fine/Very Fine (77)
Soundness: Major Fault (short/pulled perfs), Extremely Minor Fault (pencil mark)
Perforations: Uneven at top and bottom; intact overall
Cancellation: Green handstamp over vignette, moderate impact
Eye Appeal: 0 point adjustment
Final Grade: 32 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used and hinged example of Scott #R170 is reasonably well-centered, with margins comfortably clear of the design. Several short and pulled perfs reduce the soundness grade, and a faint pencil notation on the back further contributes to the downgrade. The cancel is moderately applied but well-placed, justifying a neutral eye appeal adjustment. Based on the 2009 PSE Grading Guide and the 4,000-character report format, the final numerical grade is 32 (Good – G).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (751)

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