U. S. Scott #216 - Used - FR/G Condition

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

216

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1888

Item Description

Detailed Analysis of Scott #216
Below is a comprehensive evaluation of the Scott #216 stamp based on the provided images and PSE guidelines:

Design Description
Scott #216 is a 5-cent stamp featuring a left-facing portrait of President James A. Garfield, issued in 1888. The design is framed within an ornate oval beaded border. "U.S. POSTAGE" appears at the bottom, flanking a central star containing the denomination "5 CENTS." The rich blue color and detailed engraving reflect the craftsmanship of late 19th-century stamp production.

Evaluation
1. Centering
Grade: 70 (Fine)
Description:
The stamp is noticeably off-center, particularly at the left margin, where the design approaches the perforations. While white space remains visible between the frameline and perforations, the imbalance is evident. This qualifies as Fine (F) centering under PSE guidelines.

2. Perforations
Condition:
The perforations are intact and well-formed, with no significant evidence of short, pulled, or clipped perfs. The perforations contribute positively to the stamp’s overall structure.

3. Soundness
Condition:
The Stamp Has Two Faults:
Light crease: Visible upon inspection, qualifying as a Fault under PSE soundness guidelines.
Small Thin: Located on the back, this also qualifies as a Fault.
According to PSE guidelines, two faults constitute a Major Fault.
Soundness Grade: Major Fault
The combination of a light crease and a small thin places the stamp’s soundness in the Major Fault category.

4. Eye Appeal
Condition:
The cancel is moderately heavy and obscures a portion of the portrait, but it is evenly applied and does not overwhelm the design. The rich blue color is still vibrant, adding to the stamp’s overall appeal.
Adjustment: Based on PSE Eye Appeal Guidelines, the cancel warrants a -5 point adjustment for moderate impact on the visual presentation.

Grading Calculation
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Adjustment: Major Fault
Eye Appeal Adjustment: -5 points (Moderately heavy cancel)
Final Numerical Grade: 24
This places the stamp in the Fair-Good (FR-G) category under PSE Numeric Grading Guidelines.

Final Summary
This is a Scott #216 5-cent James A. Garfield stamp in Fair-Good (FR-G) condition:
Centering: Fine (70)
Soundness: Major Fault (light crease and small thin)
Perforations: Intact and well-formed
Eye Appeal: Moderate cancel diminishes the aesthetic slightly (-5 adjustment)

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1042)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

Public Questions