U. S. Scott #256 - Used - Graded FR

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

256

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1894

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #256 (Used, Hinged, No Gum – Single Stamp)
6¢ Dull Brown – Abraham Lincoln, 1894
(First Bureau Issue – Printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #256 features a finely engraved portrait of President Abraham Lincoln in a rich dull brown frame. Issued as part of the 1894 First Bureau Issue, this stamp marked the beginning of standardized U.S. postage production by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The design is characterized by intricate border detailing, classic serif lettering, and an oval vignette style.

This used example has been canceled with dark black ink and shows significant wear on both face and reverse, including visible paper damage and handling faults.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 83 (Very Fine – VF)
All margins are full and clearly clear the design.
Slightly off-center toward the top and left, but no part of the frameline nears the perfs.
Meets the PSE criteria for “Very Fine” centering.

? Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp displays multiple faults of varying severity:
Fault Description Classification
Severe diagonal crease from mid-left to upper right Severe Fault
Several clipped, pulled, or short perforations Major Fault
Multiple perf tip creases visible on inspection Fault
Discoloration on back of stamp Minor Fault
Pencil writing on back Extremely Minor Fault
Combined Soundness Classification: Severe Fault
Per 2009 PSE standards, any stamp with a severe crease plus another major fault qualifies for Severe Fault Soundness. No additional point deduction is applied separately from the combined base grade (already factored in below).
Resulting Base Grade (Centering 83 + Severe Fault Soundness): 28 (Fair/Good – FR/GD)

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
The perforations show multiple issues:
Left and top sides have several short or clipped perfs.
Bottom right corner appears irregular or slightly compressed.
Overall appearance is affected by these inconsistencies.
Margins are generous and well-spaced, aligning with the centering grade.

? Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a black cancel heavily placed across Lincoln’s head and upper face.
While not solidly obliterating the portrait, the dark smudging significantly affects clarity.
Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Deduction: –15 points per 2009 PSE Eye Appeal standards.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Observation Adjustment
Color & Impression Dull brown tone intact, design still identifiable ±0
Paper Condition Severe crease visible, discoloration present –5
Cancellation Heavy black cancel obscures portrait –15
? Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Value
Base Grade (VF Centering + Severe Fault) 28
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15
Final Numerical Grade 13

? Final Summary:
Attribute Details
Scott Number 256
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 83 (Very Fine – VF)
Soundness Severe Fault (Severe crease, short perfs, discoloration, creases, pencil)
Perforations Short/clipped on left and top; visible irregularities
Cancellation Very Heavy Black Cancel (–15 points)
Eye Appeal –15 (cancel and crease visibility)
Final Grade 13 (Fair – FR)

? Final Verdict:
This used Scott #256 has Very Fine centering and full margins, but is critically compromised by a severe diagonal crease, clipped and pulled perfs, and a very heavy cancel obscuring the portrait. Additional faults such as discoloration and pencil marks on the back further impact its condition. Based on PSE grading standards, this stamp receives a final grade of 13 (Fair – FR).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (673)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Bids
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions