U. S. Scott #252 - Used - Graded Good

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

252

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 #252 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – George Washington, 1895 (Type III, Watermarked)
(U.S. First Bureau Issue – Washington Regular Series)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #252 is the Type III variety of the 2¢ Washington from the 1895 watermarked series. This version was produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and displays Washington’s profile in carmine, with intricate engraving details and updated frame lines characteristic of Type III. These subtle changes were part of an ongoing effort to improve image clarity and deter counterfeiting.

This example is used, hinged, and has no original gum. It bears a black cancel, largely covering the portrait, and exhibits various faults affecting both back and perforations.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Centering is slightly off to the left and bottom but still maintains generous white space on all sides.
Perforations do not touch the design, qualifying this stamp under Fine/Very Fine per PSE standards.

? Soundness Evaluation:
Fault Type Description Classification
Minor Fault Heavy dirt smudging/spotting on back Minor Fault
Very Minor Fault Hinge remnant (top center) Very Minor Fault
Very Minor Fault One short perf (less than half normal length, lower right) Very Minor Fault
Extremely Minor Fault Pencil writing on back (center-left) Extremely Minor Fault
➡️ This combination meets the definition of Fault:
“Two or three minor faults or a combination of minor and very minor faults.”
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Perforations are generally complete and even, except for a noticeably short tooth at lower right.
No evidence of trimming or scissors.
Corners are intact and square.

? Cancellation Classification:
The black cancellation is bold and heavy, crossing directly over Washington’s face and numeral.
It obscures major elements of the portrait and significantly reduces visual clarity.
? Cancel Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
? Eye Appeal Deduction: –15 points

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Impact Adjustment
Color & Impression Bright carmine, solid frame detail 0
Cancellation Very heavy cancel obscures key elements –15
Back Appearance Dirt smudging, pencil writing not visible from front 0
? Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Fault Soundness) 47 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Very Heavy Cancel) –15
Final Numerical Grade 32 (Good – G)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 252
Condition Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Fault (dirt smudging, hinge remnant, short perf, pencil mark)
Perforations One notably short tooth, otherwise complete
Cancellation Very heavy cancel obscuring design
Eye Appeal –15 (due to cancel obscuring portrait)
Final Grade 32 (Good – G)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #252 stamp displays strong centering for the issue and retains its structural integrity aside from a short perf and moderate surface faults. However, the very heavy cancellation, which severely obscures Washington’s portrait, significantly detracts from visual appeal and leads to a reduced final grade. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this stamp receives a final numerical grade of 32 (Good – G).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (573)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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