U. S. Scott #R55c - Used - Fair Condition

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

R55c

Stamp Type

Revenues

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Item Description

Detailed Analysis of Scott #R55c

Design Description
Scott #R55c is a 50-cent blue revenue stamp from the 1862 Revenue Issue, featuring the "Entry of Goods" inscription. It has a central portrait of George Washington framed by intricate geometric designs and inscriptions denoting its usage as a tax stamp during the Civil War era.

Centering Analysis
Observed Characteristics:
The edge of the frameline just touches the perforations on one side, but the design is not cut into. The other three sides are uneven, but there is visible white space around the design.
Centering Grade: 53, corresponding to Very Good (VG).

Soundness Analysis
Observed Faults:
Major Fault: A significant stain is present, affecting both the back and the front of the stamp. This fault is substantial enough to reduce the soundness grade significantly.
Hinge Remnant and Partial Gum: A hinge remnant and partial gum are present on the back, which qualifies as a Very Minor Fault but does not add significantly to the deductions given the major staining.
Soundness Classification: The significant staining categorizes the stamp as having a Major Fault.
Soundness Adjustment: Very Good centering + Major Fault soundness = Fair (10-19).

Perforation Condition
The perforations are intact but uneven. The overall condition of the perforations does not detract further from the grade.

Eye Appeal Analysis
Cancel Characteristics:
The manuscript cancel is moderately heavy and obscures portions of the design, which detracts from the stamp's visual appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: Deduct 5 points for the moderately heavy cancel and the impact of the staining on the overall appearance.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Starting Grade (Centering + Soundness):

Centering Grade: 53 (Very Good, VG).
Adjusted for Major Fault soundness: 16 (Fair, FR).

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Deduction for heavy cancel and staining: -5 points.

Final Numerical Grade: 11.
Final Grade Classification
Final Grade: 11.
Classification: Fair (FR).

Summary
This stamp is graded 11, placing it in the Fair (FR) category. Key observations include:
Centering: The stamp has Very Good centering (53), with the frameline touching the perforations on one side but no loss of design elements.
Soundness: The significant stain is a Major Fault, reducing the structural quality and aesthetic appeal of the stamp.
Eye Appeal: The heavy manuscript cancel and staining further detract from the overall appearance, resulting in an additional 5-point deduction.

This Scott #R55c has significant historical value as part of the Civil War-era revenue series, but its grade and collector appeal are substantially limited by the staining and cancel.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (444)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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