U. S. Scott #254 - Used - Graded Fair

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

254

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 #254 (Used, Hinged, No Gum)

Design Overview:
Scott #254 is a 4-cent dark brown stamp from the 1895 Bureau Issue, printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. It features a finely engraved portrait of Abraham Lincoln, enclosed within an elaborate oval frame. This series was printed on hard paper and has perforations measuring gauge 12.

This particular example is used, has been hinged, and has no gum. The centering is graded Very Good (58), meaning the perforations touch, appear to touch, or very slightly cut into the frameline of the design.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 58 (Very Good - VG)
✔ The perforations touch or slightly cut into the frameline of the design.
✔ The margins are minimal, measuring approximately 0.1mm to -0.1mm, per PSE standards for Very Good centering.
✔ While the design remains mostly intact, the close cropping of margins affects its overall balance.

Soundness: Major Fault (Several Faulty, Clipped, Pulled, or Short Perfs) (-40 Deduction)
? The stamp exhibits multiple faulty, clipped, pulled, and short perforations, which constitute a Major Fault under PSE grading guidelines.
? The lower portion of the stamp has significant perforation damage, which reduces both soundness and visual appeal.
? Due to the extent of perforation faults, a 40-point deduction is applied.

Perforations & Margins:
✔ Perforation Gauge: 12, which matches the correct specifications for Scott #254.
✔ Margins: Extremely tight, with some portions where the design is nearly touching or slightly cut by the perforations.
✔ Perforations: Several clipped, short, or pulled perfs, especially along the bottom edge.

Cancellation Classification:
? The stamp has a black circular date stamp (CDS) cancellation, positioned primarily over Lincoln’s face.
? The moderately heavy cancel obscures details of the portrait but does not completely overwhelm the design.
? Classification: Heavy Cancel (-10 Eye Appeal Deduction).

Eye Appeal Adjustment (-10 Deduction Applied):
✔ The dark brown color retains some strength but shows areas of fading and slight discoloration.
✔ The heavy cancellation obscures part of the portrait, reducing the overall clarity of Lincoln’s features.
✔ Some paper toning and surface wear are evident.
✔ Final Eye Appeal Deduction: -10 points applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Very Good Centering) 58
Soundness Deduction (Major Fault: Clipped & Pulled Perfs) -40
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Heavy Cancel, Discoloration) -10
Final Numerical Grade 8 (Fair - FR)

Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 254
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 58 (Very Good - VG)
Soundness Major Fault (-40 for Clipped & Pulled Perfs)
Perforations Perforation gauge 12, multiple faulty perfs
Cancellation Heavy black CDS cancel (-10 deduction)
Eye Appeal Moderate toning, cancellation obscures portrait
Final Grade 8 (Fair - FR)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #254 stamp has Very Good (58) centering, but major perforation faults result in a 40-point deduction, while the heavy cancellation and toning cause an additional 10-point reduction. This brings the final numerical grade to 8 (Fair - FR). The stamp is in significantly worn and damaged condition, making it primarily a space-filler rather than a collectible-quality example.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (579)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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