U. S. Scott #865 - Used - Graded VF

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

865

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

80 (VF)

Year of Issue

1940

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #865 (Used, No Gum – Single Stamp)
John Greenleaf Whittier – 2¢ Carmine Rose, 1940 (Famous Americans Series)

?️ Design Overview
Issued in 1940 as part of the Famous Americans Series, this 2¢ carmine rose stamp honors John Greenleaf Whittier, a renowned Quaker poet and abolitionist. The design features a stately engraved portrait surrounded by neoclassical architecture and ornate scrollwork. A small winged figure appears beneath the nameplate, symbolizing poetic inspiration and freedom.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (78)
The stamp is visibly off-center to the right and slightly downward.
The right margin is noticeably narrow, while the left and bottom are more generous.
All four margins remain comfortably clear of the design, meeting the minimum requirement for Fine/Very Fine per the 2009 PSE standards.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 78

? Soundness Evaluation
Gum: No gum (unused, never hinged) ✅
Identified Faults:
This stamp has no gum, but it is unused and never hinged, and no gum is not treated as a fault under your grading preferences.
The back is clean with only the natural mirrored design faintly visible (not a fault).
No thins, creases, tears, stains, or other imperfections are visible.
? Soundness Deduction: 0
? Adjusted Base Grade: 78

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforations: Fully intact all around with clean, even punching. No short or blunt perfs observed.
Margins: Narrowest on the right side, but still well clear of the design. Left and bottom margins are wider, creating a slightly imbalanced appearance, but still solidly within the Fine/Very Fine range.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Aspect Assessment
Color ? Strong carmine tone — bold and vibrant ✅
Impression ? Sharp engraving — facial features and scrollwork clear ✅
Freshness ? Clean front and back — no oxidation or dulling ✅
Balance Slight visual imbalance to the lower-right ✅
Overall ? Visually appealing and well-preserved ✅
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +2
The crispness of the printing, rich coloration, and pristine surface support a +2 bonus, helping this stamp stand out from others in its centering class.

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Component Score
Centering Grade 78
Soundness Deduction 0
Subtotal 78
Eye Appeal Bonus +2
Final Grade 80 ✅

? Final Summary
Attribute Details
Scott Number 865
Format Single Stamp
Condition Used (unused appearance), No Gum
Gum None (not considered a fault per preferences) ✅
Centering Fine/Very Fine (78)
Soundness Faultless (0 deduction) ✅
Eye Appeal +2 (strong color, sharp impression)
Final Grade 80 (F/VF – Fine to Very Fine) ✅

? Final Verdict
This Scott #865 – John Greenleaf Whittier 2¢ carmine rose stamp is a clean, fault-free example with rich color and exceptional clarity. Although slightly off-center, it earns a +2 Eye Appeal bonus thanks to its strong visual impact. The result is a solid Fine/Very Fine 80, making it a standout within its centering class — a fine choice for a collector who values both condition and eye-catching aesthetics.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (542)

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

No

Public Questions