U. S. Scott #248 - Used - Graded Fair

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

248

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1894

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #248 (Used, Hinged, No Gum – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmined Red – George Washington, 1894
(U.S. Regular Issue – First Bureau Issue, Unwatermarked, Soft Paper)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #248 was issued as part of the 1894 First Bureau Issue and features a bust of George Washington facing left, engraved in deep carmine red. The design is enclosed in a classical oval frame, flanked by denomination numerals and elaborate scrollwork. This was the first 2¢ definitive produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, replacing the American Bank Note Company’s earlier issues.

This used example shows signs of heavy wear, with substantial faults on both front and back, and a horizontally barred cancel over Washington’s face.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Margins are narrow but clear of the design on all four sides.
The top and left margins are more generous, while the right and bottom are tighter but do not intrude into the design.
Meets PSE criteria for Fine/Very Fine centering: visible white space on all sides, with one or two narrow margins.

? Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp displays multiple serious issues, some of which qualify as major or severe faults per PSE standards:
Fault Type Description Classification
Major Fault Several faulty, clipped, pulled, or short perfs (esp. left side) Major Fault
Fault Natural straight edge (left side) Fault
Minor Fault Two natural unpunched perforations (right edge) Minor Fault
Minor Fault Discoloration on back (visible darkening, likely staining) Minor Fault
Very Minor Fault Hinge remnant (lower center) Very Minor Fault
? PSE Rule: A combination of two or three major or mixed category faults constitutes a Severe Fault.
? Soundness Classification: Severe Fault
? Per PSE Grading Matrix:
F/VF Centering (77) + Severe Fault Soundness = Fair/Good (20–24)
? Assigned Base Grade: 22

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Standard gauge 12.
Left Side: Natural straight edge with two short and possibly clipped perforations.
Right Side: Two unpunched (blind) perforation holes.
Several perforations on both sides are uneven or weakened, especially bottom-left and top-left.
No signs of reperforation.

? Cancellation Classification:
A horizontal black barred cancel obscures much of Washington’s face and upper oval frame.
This qualifies as a Heavy Cancel, per PSE criteria, due to visual dominance and loss of facial clarity.
? Classification: Heavy Cancel
→ Deduction: –10 points to Eye Appeal

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Adjustment
Heavy Cancel –10
Paper Tone / Back Stain Already factored under soundness
Balance & Color No bonus due to wear and discoloration
? Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Severe Fault) 22
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Heavy Cancel) –10

Final Numerical Grade 12 (Fair – FR)
? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 248
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF); margins narrow but design intact
Soundness Severe Fault (Clipped/short perfs, natural SE, unpunched perfs, discoloration, hinge remnant)
Perforations Uneven; short, clipped, and blind perfs on multiple edges
Cancellation Heavy horizontal bars obscuring the portrait
Eye Appeal –10 points (heavy cancel, no bonus elements)
Final Grade 12 (Fair – FR)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #248 example shows acceptable centering in the Fine/Very Fine range, but its condition is significantly compromised. With clipped perfs, a natural straight edge, unpunched holes, staining on the reverse, and a heavy cancel, the stamp qualifies for Severe Fault soundness. Based on the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, it receives a final numerical grade of 12 (Fair – FR).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (579)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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