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

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, No Gum – 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 well-known portrait of George Washington, engraved in profile, facing left. The design includes classical ornaments in each corner and a bold “TWO CENTS” denomination at the base. This issue is significant as the first watermarked 2¢ definitive produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. It was printed on soft paper and includes a watermark (USPS) not visible here.

This stamp is used, with a light black circular cancel, and exhibits faults mostly on the back and lower perforations.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 62 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)
Left Margin: Narrow — the perforations just touch the outer frameline.
Right Margin: Narrow but clean.
Top and Bottom Margins: Better balanced, with the bottom being the strongest.
Qualifies for VG/F (60–69) centering per the PSE Grading Guide: one side may touch the design while the others show reasonably balanced margins.

? Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp presents multiple issues. Per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, a Fault is defined as two or three minor faults or a combination of minor and very minor faults:
Fault Type Description Classification
Minor Fault Light vertical crease (visible on back) Minor Fault
Very Minor Fault Light ink transfer on back (scattered red specks) Very Minor Fault
Very Minor Fault Three shorter perforations (bottom edge) Very Minor Fault
? These together meet the definition of a Fault.
? Soundness Grade: Fault
? Base Grade From Matrix:
VG/F Centering (62) + Fault Soundness = Fair/Good (25–29)
? Assigned: Base Grade = 27

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Gauge: Standard 12
Bottom Edge: Contains three short perforations, about half normal length
Perfs are natural, not trimmed or reperforated
No visible perf creases or separations, though there’s some weakness along the base

? Cancellation Classification:
The stamp shows a light black circular cancel touching the portrait but not obscuring the facial features.
The cancel is even, faint, and does not reduce clarity or legibility.
? Classification: Light Cancel
→ +10 point bonus to Eye Appeal

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Adjustment
Cancel (Light, unobtrusive) +10
Visual freshness No fading or discoloration visible from front
Fault visibility (crease, ink transfer) Not visible from the front
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: +10 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Base Grade (VG/F Centering + Fault) 27
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Light Cancel) +10
Final Numerical Grade 37 (Good – G)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 252
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 62 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F); left edge touches frameline
Soundness Fault (Light crease, ink transfer, 3 short perfs)
Perforations Standard gauge; short perfs bottom edge
Cancellation Light circular cancel, does not obscure portrait
Eye Appeal +10 bonus for light cancel
Final Grade 37 (Good – G)

? Final Verdict:
Despite multiple minor condition issues, this Scott #252 has decent VG/F centering and a clean appearance enhanced by a light cancel. The faults (crease, ink transfer, and short perfs) limit its base grade, but the cancellation contributes positively to the visual impression. Under 2009 PSE guidelines, the final numerical grade is 37 (Good – G).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1014)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions