U.S. Scott #838 - MNH - VG/F Condition

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

838

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1938

Item Description

Detailed Analysis of the Stamp (Scott #838)

Design Description

Front: The stamp features a depiction of the Old Capitol Building in Iowa, set against a purple background. The text "IOWA TERRITORIAL CENTENNIAL 1838-1938" is at the top, with "U.S. POSTAGE THREE CENTS" at the bottom. The denomination "3" is displayed in both lower corners, framed within an ornate design.

Back: The back of the stamp shows original gum, confirming it is mint and never hinged. There is evidence of a minor natural gum bend, which will affect the soundness grade.

Soundness
Condition: The stamp exhibits a minor natural gum bend, which is considered a Very Minor Fault in soundness. There are no other visible defects such as creases, tears, thins, or stains.
Grade: Very Minor Fault (75).

Centering
Observation: The stamp is quite off-center, with the design approaching the perforations on one or two sides. While the frameline does not touch the perforations, the white space is very narrow, placing it within the Fine (F) range.
Grade: Fine (70).

Perforations
Observation: The perforations are clean, uniform, and intact, with no signs of re-perforation or missing perfs, contributing positively to the stamp's overall presentation.

Eye Appeal
Observation: The stamp has strong color and a clear impression, which enhances its visual appeal. Despite the off-centering and the minor gum bend, the stamp presents well. A small bonus for eye appeal is appropriate due to the overall strong color and design.
Grade: Bonus +2 points.

Final Numerical Grade
Base Grade: 70 (Centering: Fine).
Soundness Adjustment: 70 - 5 points due to the Very Minor Fault (natural gum bend) = 65.
Eye Appeal Bonus: +2 points.
Final Numerical Grade: 67 (Very Good-Fine).

Summary:
Soundness Grade: Very Minor Fault (75) due to natural gum bend
Centering Grade: Fine (70)
Perforations: Clean and intact
Eye Appeal: Bonus +2 points for strong color and impression
Final Numerical Grade: 67 (Very Good-Fine)

This final grade of 67 reflects the balance between the stamp's minor natural gum bend, off-centering, and overall aesthetic quality, placing it in the Very Good-Fine (VG-F) category.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1042)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

Public Questions