U. S. Scott #219 - Used - Graded FR/G

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

219

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1890

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #219 (Used, Hinged, No Gum – Single Stamp)
1¢ Ultramarine – Benjamin Franklin, 1890
(U.S. Regular Issue – First Bureau Issue, Portrait of Franklin)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #219 features a crisp engraved portrait of Benjamin Franklin in ultramarine blue. As part of the 1890 First Bureau Issue, this stamp was widely used for standard first-class domestic postage. The strong oval portrait, classic Roman lettering, and scalloped corner scrollwork contribute to the timeless design.

The cancellation pattern is bold and obscures most of the portrait, while the back reveals some minor discoloration consistent with postal use and age.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 55 (Very Good – VG)
Margins are tight with the perforations touching the design on the left and slightly on the bottom.
Visible imbalance left-right and top-bottom.
According to the 2009 PSE guidelines, this placement qualifies for Very Good centering (margin range: approx. 0.1mm to -0.1mm).

? Soundness Evaluation:
Fault Type Description Classification
Very Minor Fault Dirt smudging or spotting on reverse Very Minor Fault (–11 pts)
The smudging or discoloration on the back is minor and does not affect the front or structural integrity, qualifying as a Very Minor Fault under the PSE system.

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Perforations are intact but close to the design on the left and bottom.
No visible missing or excessively shortened teeth.
Overall impression is consistent with Very Good centering.

? Cancellation Classification:
Cancel Type Impact Adjustment
Very Heavy Obscures most of Franklin’s face and frame –15 pts
The cancellation is thick and heavily inked, with diagonal cancel bars that largely mask the portrait and obliterate much of the design's visual clarity. This merits a Very Heavy classification and significant deduction.

?️ Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Factor Effect Points
Cancellation Very Heavy – design obscured –15
Overall Presentation Diminished due to cancellation 0
Net Eye Appeal –15 pts

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Centering (Very Good – VG) 55
Soundness Deduction (Very Minor) –11
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15
Final Numerical Grade 29

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number #219
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 55 (Very Good – VG)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (dirt smudge on back)
Perforations Close on left and bottom; all intact
Cancellation Very heavy; obscures portrait and inscription
Eye Appeal –15 pts due to overwhelming cancel
Final Grade 29 (Fair–Good – FR–G)

? Final Verdict:
Although this Scott #219 example retains its physical structure and a Fine/Very Good centering frame, the combination of a very heavy cancellation and a minor back flaw significantly impacts the overall appeal and technical rating. The final numerical grade is 29 (Fair–Good – FR–G) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (581)

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