U. S. Scott #255 - Used [LA01-0011-03-02]

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 – Single Stamp)
5¢ Chocolate – Ulysses S. Grant, 1894
(First Bureau Issue – Printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing)

Design Overview:
Scott #255 features a finely engraved portrait of Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States and Union General, framed by ornate scrollwork and corner triangles in a chocolate-brown color. Issued in 1894 as part of the First Bureau Issue (1894–1898), this definitive series was the first to be printed entirely by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, marking a transition from private to government production.

The example submitted is used, hinged, and has no original gum. It bears a heavy black cancel and shows significant wear from postal use and poor handling.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The perforations are clear of the design on all four sides. The left and bottom margins are visibly narrow but meet the minimum visual margin threshold of approximately 0.4 mm. The framelines are intact and are not touched by perforations, which is consistent with the Fine/Very Fine centering grade as defined by the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits multiple faults, including a large thin on the back (major fault), several short, clipped, and pulled perforations along the top and bottom (major fault), discoloration visible on the back (minor fault), and a hinge remnant (very minor fault). According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the presence of two major faults results in a Severe Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Severe Fault
Base Grade (Centering + Severe Fault): 24 (Fair/Good – FR/GD)

Perforations and Margins:
The top and bottom rows contain multiple short and clipped perforations, including a missing perf tip on the bottom row. The right side is relatively clean, while the left side shows moderate wear. Margins are narrow but intact, and the perforation faults materially degrade the balance and symmetry of the stamp.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp bears a very heavy black cancel that obscures Ulysses S. Grant’s face and part of the denomination. There is no discernible pattern to the cancel, and its intensity significantly reduces the stamp’s overall appearance. According to the PSE Eye Appeal Guidelines, this qualifies as a Very Heavy Cancel.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Base Grade (Centering + Severe Fault): 24
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 9 (Poor – PR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 255
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Severe Fault (large thin, multiple damaged perforations, discoloration, hinge remnant)
Perforations: Short, clipped, and pulled on multiple sides
Cancellation: Very heavy black cancel obscuring the portrait and denomination
Eye Appeal: –15 points for heavy cancel and condition issues
Final Grade: 9 (Poor – PR)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #255 has Fine/Very Fine centering and strong original color, but its quality is significantly diminished by a large thin, multiple perforation faults, and discoloration. The very heavy cancel further obscures the design and lowers the visual appeal. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final numerical grade is 9 (Poor).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (896)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions