U. S. Scott #252 - Used [LA01-0011-02-03]

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 – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – George Washington, 1895
(U.S. Regular Issue – Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Unwatermarked, Soft Paper)

Design Overview:
Scott #252 is a 2¢ carmine stamp issued in 1895 as part of the Bureau Issue series, produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. It features a left-facing portrait of George Washington framed within an ornate oval design, characteristic of the definitive issues of the late 19th century. The stamp is perforated 12, the standard gauge for the issue.

The example submitted is used, has never been hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforations are well clear of the design on all sides, though one or two margins are narrower than the others. This centering meets the criteria for Fine/Very Fine (77) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, where the design remains intact but does not meet the standard for Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has a light crease, classified as a Minor Fault under PSE standards. No additional structural faults such as tears or thins are visible.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on all sides, consistent with the issue specifications. The perforations are even and intact with no missing, clipped, or shortened tips. Margins are uneven, with one or two sides notably narrow but clear of the design.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp bears a moderate black horizontal wavy line cancellation that does not heavily obscure the portrait. The carmine ink remains vibrant, and the paper shows no signs of toning or fading. No deduction is applied for eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault – light crease)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 252
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (light crease)
Perforations: Gauge 12, intact and even
Cancellation: Moderate black wavy line cancel, no deduction
Eye Appeal: Strong color and clean appearance, no adjustment applied
Final Grade: 57 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #252 displays Fine/Very Fine centering and retains strong color with intact perforations. A light crease, classified as a Minor Fault, results in a 20-point deduction from the base grade, yielding a final numerical grade of 57 (Very Good) per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (977)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions