U. S. Scott #246 - Used - Damaged

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

246

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1894

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #246 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Ultramarine – Benjamin Franklin, 1894
(U.S. First Bureau Issue – Franklin Regular Issue)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #246 is part of the First Bureau Issue, released in 1894, marking the beginning of postage printing by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. This 1¢ stamp showcases a finely engraved profile of Benjamin Franklin, framed within an ornate oval. Issued in ultramarine, the design maintains the dignified presentation characteristic of early definitive issues.

This example has been used and bears a black face-cancel, and it retains no original gum. It was previously hinged, which will not impact the soundness score per the specified instructions.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine – F)
Margins are narrow, with perforation holes very close to the design on the top and left sides.
There is minimal but visible white space around the design.
Qualifies as Fine centering under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

? Soundness Evaluation:
Fault Type Description Classification
Severe Fault Severe crease across the body Severe Fault
Major Fault Large thin covering significant area Major Fault
Major Fault Two pulled perforations at bottom Major Fault
➡️ This combination qualifies as “Damaged”, defined by the guide as:
“Severe or multiple creases, large, deep, or multiple thins, large or multiple tears, significant repair, hole, reperforated on three sides, two or three major faults or a combination…”
Final Grade Category: Damaged (Score: 3)

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
The stamp has uneven, blunt, and worn perforations throughout.
Two bottom perforations are pulled, with visible loss of tooth material.
Margins are narrow but technically clear of the design.

? Cancellation Classification:
The stamp exhibits a black face-cancel, moderate in strength.
The cancel is placed directly over Franklin’s face, obscuring detail in the vignette.
? Cancel Classification: Very Heavy
? Eye Appeal Deduction: –15 points

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Impact Adjustment
Color & Impression Color remains fairly strong 0
Cancellation Heavy face cancel obscures design –15
Paper Condition Severe crease + large thin visible from back –25
? Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: –40 points
(Note: Eye appeal cannot reduce a grade below 1, per user-stated minimum non-damaged score floor.)

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine Centering + Damaged Soundness) 3 (Damaged – DMG)
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Heavy cancel + severe paper issues) –40 pts (min grade floor: 1–4)
Final Numerical Grade 3 (Damaged – DMG)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 246
Condition Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering 71 (Fine – F)
Soundness Damaged (Severe crease, large thin, pulled perfs)
Perforations Blunt and uneven; two pulled perfs
Cancellation Very Heavy black face cancel
Eye Appeal –40 points (Severe crease + thin + cancel)
Final Grade 3 (Damaged – DMG)

? Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #246 features Fine centering but is critically impacted by multiple major and severe faults, including a large thin, a severe crease, and pulled perforations. The very heavy cancel, which obscures much of Franklin’s face, further detracts from the stamp's visual appeal. Under the 2009 PSE guidelines, these issues result in a final grade of 3 (Damaged).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (670)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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