U. S. Scott #RB30 - Used - Graded Poor (SL01-0002-03-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

RB30

Stamp Type

Revenues - Proprietary

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1898

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #RB30 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Violet – Battleship Revenue, 1898
(U.S. Revenue Issues – Spanish-American War, Proprietary Series)

Design Overview:
Scott #RB30 is a 4¢ proprietary revenue stamp from the 1898 “Battleship” series, issued to finance the Spanish-American War. It depicts a warship at sea, framed by scrollwork with “UNITED STATES INTER. REVENUE” along the sides and “PROPRIETARY” below. The denomination appears in all four corners. These were printed on unwatermarked paper and typically show rough perforations due to production methods of the era.

This example is postally used, has no original gum, and was previously hinged. A vertical black manuscript cancel bisects the ship vignette, and a blue “1899” handstamp cancel is applied on the right side.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The margins are fully clear of the design. The left side is the narrowest, while the right and bottom are widest. The top margin is slightly stronger than the left. Though off-center in two directions, the stamp fits the PSE criteria for Fine/Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
The reverse reveals a large area of thinning consistent with a Severe Fault. A significant tear is located at the bottom center, with a second smaller tear on the right and a third (~1mm) lower down. Additional flaws include a hinge remnant and mild discoloration. These combined issues warrant a Severe Fault classification under PSE standards.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated on all four sides, though the bottom row is affected by the tear. Several perforations, especially top and bottom, are short or ragged. There is no evidence of reperforation or trimming. The left margin is the narrowest, with the right and bottom margins offering the most visual balance.

Cancellation:
The stamp bears a bold vertical manuscript cancel in black, cutting directly across the vignette and obscuring the central design. A secondary blue handstamp, partially reading “1899,” adds further visual clutter on the right side. Together, these meet the definition of a Very Heavy Cancel.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Due to the manuscript cancel bisecting the central image and the added blue cancel, the visual clarity is heavily compromised. This qualifies for a –15 point deduction under the 2009 PSE Eye Appeal adjustment criteria.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –55 (Severe Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 21 (Fair/Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 6 (Poor – PO)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: RB30
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Fine/Very Fine (76)
Soundness: Severe Fault (deep thin, multiple tears, hinge remnant, discoloration)
Perforations: Ragged and shortened, especially bottom; tear at lower margin
Cancellation: Very Heavy (black manuscript and blue handstamp across vignette)
Eye Appeal: –15 point deduction
Final Grade: 6 (Poor – PO)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #RB30 is centered well enough to meet Fine/Very Fine standards, but it is significantly compromised by a deep thin, three tears, and ragged perforations. The very heavy cancel further reduces its presentation quality. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final grade is 6 (Poor – PO).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (774)

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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