U. S. Scott #73 - Used - Fair Condition

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

73

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1863

Item Description

Detailed Analysis of Scott #73

Description of Design
Scott #73 features the 2-cent Andrew Jackson design in black. It is part of the 1861 series, with a classic portrait of Jackson surrounded by intricate scrollwork. The denomination "2" is displayed in each upper corner, and "TWO CENTS" is positioned at the bottom.

Soundness
Condition: The stamp has significant damage and qualifies as Damaged under the PSE soundness guidelines:
A severe crease is visible on the back of the stamp, extending across a significant portion.
A perf tip crease and shorter perforation further detract from the overall condition.

Centering
Centering Grade: 40 (Good)
The stamp is poorly centered, with perforations cutting into the design on the left side. Some portions of the design are lost, placing it in the "Good" centering category.

Perforations
The Perforations Are Flawed:
Shorter perf and perf tip creases are evident, contributing to the damaged classification.

Eye Appeal
Cancel: The stamp features a heavy cancel that obscures much of Jackson's portrait, significantly detracting from its visual appeal.
Color: The black ink appears slightly faded, which further reduces the overall eye appeal.
Based on PSE guidelines, the heavy cancel and faded color result in a -10-point deduction for eye appeal.

Final Numerical Grade
Based on the PSE Standards:
Centering Grade: 40 (Good)
Soundness Adjustment: Good Centering + Damaged Soundness = Fair (10-19).
The base grade is 15 after centering and soundness adjustments.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: A -10-point deduction for the heavy cancel and faded color.
Final Grade: 11 (Fair)

Conclusion
This Scott #73 stamp is significantly flawed, with damage including a severe crease, shorter perf, and heavy cancel. Its centering is poor, with perforations cutting into the design, and its overall condition places it in the Fair category with a final grade of 11. While of historical interest, its collector value is limited due to these substantial issues.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1009)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

Public Questions