U. S. Scott #252 - Used - Graded Good (NA01-0037-02-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

252

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1894

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #252 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – George Washington, 1895
(U.S. Regular Issue – First Bureau Issue, Watermarked USPS, Soft Paper)

Design Overview:
Scott #252 was issued in 1895 as part of the First Bureau Issue and features the engraved profile of George Washington facing left. The design includes ornate corner ornaments and a bold “TWO CENTS” denomination at the base. This issue is historically significant as the first watermarked 2¢ definitive stamp produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. It was printed on soft paper and includes the USPS watermark (not visible here).

The example submitted is used, hinged, and has no original gum. It bears a light black circular cancellation and exhibits faults primarily on the back and lower perforations.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 62 (Very Good/Fine)
The left margin is narrow, with the perforations touching the outer frameline. The right margin is narrow but clear, while the top and bottom margins are better balanced, with the bottom margin the strongest. These characteristics meet the criteria for Very Good/Fine centering (60–69) as defined in the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, where one margin may touch the design and the others show reasonably balanced margins.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp presents multiple faults, including a light vertical crease visible on the back (minor fault), light ink transfer on the back (very minor fault), and three shorter perforations along the bottom edge (very minor fault). According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this combination meets the definition of a Fault.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: Reduces the base grade to Fair/Good (25–29)
Base Grade Assigned: 27

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on all sides as expected for the issue. Three shorter perforations are present along the bottom edge, each about half the normal length. The perforations are natural and not the result of trimming or reperforation. No visible perf separations or severe creasing are present, though there is some weakness at the base.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp has a light black circular cancel that lightly touches the portrait without obscuring the facial features. The cancel is even and unobtrusive, which enhances the overall visual presentation.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 62 (Very Good/Fine)
Base Grade (Centering + Fault Soundness): 27
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +10 (Light Cancel)
Final Grade: 37 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 252
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 62 (Very Good/Fine) – left edge perforations touch the frameline
Soundness: Fault (light vertical crease, ink transfer, three short perforations)
Perforations: Gauge 12, intact except for three shorter tips along the bottom
Cancellation: Light black circular cancel that does not obscure the portrait
Eye Appeal: +10 points for light cancel
Final Grade: 37 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #252 displays Very Good/Fine centering and a pleasing visual appearance enhanced by a light cancel. Multiple faults, including a light crease, ink transfer on the back, and three short perforations, limit the technical grade. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final numerical grade is 37 (Good).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (832)

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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