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

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

73

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1863

Item Description

Evaluation of Scott #73 Stamp (Used)

Design Description
Scott #73 is a two-cent black stamp from the 1861-1866 issue featuring a portrait of Andrew Jackson. The design is typical of the period, with intricate engravings that highlight the central portrait, surrounded by ornate scrollwork and numerals indicating its denomination.

Front Description
The front of the stamp shows Andrew Jackson’s portrait, with the design elements mostly intact despite the off-centering. A noticeable cancellation mark partially obscures the design but does not obliterate key details.

Centering Grade: 70
The stamp is noticeably off-center, with margins on one or two sides approaching the perforations. The frameline remains clear of the perfs, with narrow white space visible on all sides. Based on PSE guidelines, this earns a Fine centering grade.

Back Description
The reverse shows evidence of prior hinging, as indicated by a hinge remnant. The stamp lacks gum, consistent with a used condition. The surface shows minor soiling, and there are two small tears visible on the edges, which classify the soundness as "Damaged."

Soundness
Faults:
Two small tears along the edges classify the stamp as "Damaged" under PSE Soundness Guidelines.
A hinge remnant on the back, though typical for used stamps, does not further affect the grading.

Perforations
The perforations are generally intact except for the two small tears. These issues affect the overall soundness but are consistent with the classification of "Damaged."

Eye Appeal
Cancellation: The cancellation is moderately heavy but does not entirely obscure the design.
Deduction: Given the degree of cancel visibility, a minimal deduction for eye appeal is appropriate.
Overall Appearance: The stamp retains decent color and clarity despite centering issues and minor surface soiling.

Grading
Centering: 70 (Fine).
Soundness Deduction: "Damaged" (two small tears), placing the soundness in the lowest category.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: Minimal impact, no further deductions beyond soundness classification.
Final Grade:
Combining Fine Centering (70) and Damaged Soundness, the initial grade is Fair (10-19).
With no further significant deductions for eye appeal, the final numerical grade is 15.

Summary
This Scott #73 stamp has:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine).
Soundness: Damaged due to two small tears.
Eye Appeal: Minimal deductions for moderate cancellation.
Final Numerical Grade: 15 (Fair).

The stamp’s damaged condition and centering issues make it a lower-grade example, suitable primarily for collectors seeking affordable filler items for their collections.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (521)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

Public Questions