U. S. Scott #65 - Used - Graded Fair

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

65

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1861

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #65 (Used, Hinged, No Gum)

Design Overview:
Scott #65 is a 3-cent Washington stamp, issued in 1861, featuring an engraved portrait of George Washington within an ornate frame. It was widely used during the Civil War era and remains one of the most common issues from that period. The stamp was printed in rose and frequently received heavy cancellations.

This example is used, has been previously hinged, and has no gum, which is standard for a used stamp. It bears a large, bold "PAID" cancel, which significantly affects visibility but does not completely obscure the entire design.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 50 (Fine - F)
The perforations touch, appear to touch, or slightly cut into the frameline of the design.
The margins are tight, particularly along the bottom and right edges.
PSE grading guidelines classify this as Fine (F) centering.

Soundness: Fault (-30 deduction)
Pulled perf (below the bottom of the holes).
Minor Fault: Slight color fading (not deducted separately, since only the largest deduction applies).
Noticeable aging and discoloration on the back, likely due to extended exposure.
No significant creases or thins detected, but the pulled perf significantly impacts the structural quality.
PSE grading guidelines classify this as a Fault (-30 deduction).

Perforations & Margins:
A pulled perf below the bottom of the holes is evident.
Margins are tight, particularly at the bottom and right.
Cancellation Classification & Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The "PAID" cancel is very heavy but does not completely obscure Washington's face.

Eye Appeal Adjustment Guidelines Applied:
Cancellation Type: Very Heavy Cancel (-15 points).
The cancel is bold and significantly impacts the visual appeal.
? Final Eye Appeal Adjustment: -15 (Very heavy cancel, major impact on appearance but not fully obliterated).

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine Centering) 50 (Fine - F)
Soundness Deduction (Fault: Pulled perf: -30, Minor Fault ignored as only the largest deduction applies) -30
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Very Heavy Cancel: -15) -15
Final Numerical Grade 5 (Poor - P)

Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 65
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 50 (Fine - F)
Soundness Fault (Pulled perf, Minor Fault: Slight color fading)
Perforations Pulled perf at the bottom, tight margins
Cancellation Very Heavy "PAID" Cancel (-15 deduction)
Eye Appeal -15 (Very heavy cancel impacting design visibility)
Final Grade 5 (Fair - FR)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #65 stamp features Fine centering, with perforations touching or slightly cutting into the frameline. It has been hinged and has no gum, which does not impact the numerical grade but does affect valuation. The stamp has a pulled perf (-30 deduction), classifying it as a Fault. The slight color fading is ignored since only the largest deduction applies. The "PAID" cancel is very heavy but does not fully obliterate the design, resulting in a -15 eye appeal deduction. Factoring in centering, soundness, and cancellation impact, the final grade is 5 (Fair - FR).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (532)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions