U. S. Scott #255 - Used - Graded Fair

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

255

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 #255 (Used, Hinged, No Gum – Single Stamp)
5¢ Chocolate – Ulysses S. Grant, 1894
(First Bureau Issue – Printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #255 showcases Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States and Union General, in a chocolate-brown frame. This issue is part of the First Bureau Issue (1894–1898), the first definitive series printed entirely by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The design features ornate scrollwork, corner triangles, and a finely engraved portrait, reflecting the transition from private to federal production.

This specimen is used, bears a black cancel, and shows signs of wear consistent with heavy postal use and poor handling.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Perforations are clear of the design on all four sides.
Left and bottom margins are visibly narrow but meet the minimum visual margin threshold (approximately 0.4mm).
Framelines are intact and not touched by perforations.
Well within Fine/Very Fine guidelines under the 2009 PSE centering scale.

? Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits the following faults:
Fault Description Severity
? Major Fault Large thin on back Major
? Major Fault Several short, clipped, and pulled perforations, especially along the top and bottom Major
? Minor Fault Discoloration visible on back Minor
? Very Minor Fault Hinge remnant Very Minor
Combined Soundness Classification: Severe Fault
Per 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the presence of two or more major faults results in a Severe Fault classification. No additional numerical deduction is necessary after determining the base grade from centering + soundness.
Resulting Base Grade (Centering + Severe Fault): 24 (Fair/Good – FR/GD)

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Top and bottom rows contain multiple short and clipped perforations, including a missing perf tip on the bottom row.
Right side is relatively clean; left side shows moderate perf wear.
Margins are narrow but intact.
The perforation faults materially degrade the visual balance and symmetry.

? Cancellation Classification:
Heavy black cancel covers and obscures the face of Grant and part of the denomination.
No distinguishable pattern or clear segmentation of cancel.
Cancellation intensity is high, qualifying under PSE Eye Appeal Guidelines as:
Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Deduction: –15 points

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Observation Adjustment
Color Rich chocolate color remains visible despite wear ±0
Paper Condition Large thin and discoloration affect back aesthetics –5
Cancellation Very heavy black cancel obscures design –15
? Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Value
Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Severe Fault) 24
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15
Final Numerical Grade 9

? Final Summary:
Attribute Details
Scott Number 255
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Severe Fault (Large thin, multiple damaged perfs, discoloration, hinge remnant)
Perforations Short, clipped, pulled on multiple sides
Cancellation Very Heavy Black Cancel
Eye Appeal –15 (heavy cancel and condition issues)
Final Grade 9 (Fair – FR)

? Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #255 has Fine/Very Fine centering and vibrant original color, but the presence of two major faults (a large thin and multiple damaged perfs), along with discoloration and hinge remnant, results in a Severe Fault classification. A very heavy black cancel obscures much of the design, significantly detracting from its eye appeal. These issues bring the final grade to 9 (Fair – FR) under PSE guidelines.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (573)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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