U. S. Scott #R171 - Used - Graded Good (SL01-0002-09-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

R171

Stamp Type

Revenues

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1898

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #R171 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
50¢ Blue Black – Battleship Documentary, 1898
(U.S. Revenue Stamp – Spanish-American War Issue)

Design Overview:
Scott #R171 is a 50¢ revenue stamp from the 1898 Battleship Documentary series, issued to finance U.S. involvement in the Spanish-American War. The design presents a detailed engraving of a warship steaming through choppy waters, with "UNITED STATES INTER. REVENUE" inscribed vertically on either side. The denomination is printed in the top corners, and “DOCUMENTARY” is prominently displayed along the bottom. This example was printed via a flat plate press on unwatermarked paper, with vertical rouletting and straight edges typical of the series.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp exhibits centering that clearly clears the design on all sides, though not symmetrically. The bottom margin is the most narrow, while the left is the widest. The top and right margins fall between those extremes. The frame lines remain entirely intact and visible, with enough white space to meet Fine/Very Fine (F/VF) standards under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp has a Major Fault due to multiple noticeably short, clipped, or pulled perforations—most evident along the top and bottom edges. Although these flaws do not intrude into the design area, they impact structural integrity and visual uniformity.
There are no visible tears, thins, creases, or stains, and the back is generally clean.
Hinging is present but excluded from grading considerations.

Perforations and Margins:
The perforations are irregular and ragged in several places, particularly along the horizontal edges. The vertical edges appear cleaner. No evidence of reperforation or trimming is observed.
Margins are uneven, with a particularly narrow lower margin. The left side is most generous.

Cancellation:
This stamp bears a purple handstamp cancel, reading partially as "M. & S. RY CO." with a clear 1899 date. While the cancel is bold and crosses into the vignette, it does not completely obscure the ship or major design details.
This qualifies as a Moderate Cancel under the 2009 PSE guidelines and does not merit a point deduction or bonus.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
There is no additional reduction or bonus warranted for eye appeal. Color is strong, impression is clear, and the cancellation, while visible, is not overly disruptive.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Major Fault – clipped/short perfs)
Adjusted Base Grade: 33
Eye Appeal Adjustment: ±0
Final Grade: 33 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: R171
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Fine/Very Fine (78)
Soundness: Major Fault (Short/clipped perforations)
Perforations: Ragged/short perfs; straight edges present
Cancellation: Moderate handstamp in purple; dated 1899
Eye Appeal: No bonus or deduction
Final Grade: 33 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used Scott #R171 Battleship Documentary stamp is a decently centered and visually bold example of a high-denomination wartime revenue issue. While its cancellation is readable and historically interesting, its heavily worn perforations result in a Major Fault deduction, bringing the final grade to 33 (Good).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (714)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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