U. S. Scott #279 - MNH - Graded FR/G (SL01-0001-07-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

279

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1898

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #279 (Unused, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Deep Green – Benjamin Franklin, 1898
(U.S. Bureau Issue – Engraved, Perf 12, Double-line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #279, issued in 1898 by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, features a finely engraved profile of Benjamin Franklin facing left within an ornate oval frame. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” appear at the top, with “ONE CENT” in curved panels at the bottom flanking the denomination numeral “1.” Printed in deep green ink on soft paper and perforated 12, this issue represents one of the first definitive series produced entirely by the Bureau.

The submitted example is unused, never hinged, and retains full original gum. The color is rich and the impression is strong, though centering is extremely poor and gum irregularities are present.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 30 (Good)
The perforations cut significantly into the design on the right, removing part of Franklin’s portrait oval, and also intrude slightly into the frame at top. The left and bottom margins are comparatively wider, but the imbalance is severe. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, perforations that cut at least 0.2 mm into the design qualify as Good centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp shows natural gum irregularities rather than post-issue damage. A light gum wrinkle or crease and a slight natural gum bend are visible. These constitute Very Minor Faults and do not reduce the numerical grade.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 12 and appear genuine with no signs of reperforation. The margins reflect the centering grade, with major intrusion on the right, tight spacing at top, and slightly more generous space left and bottom.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The strong green color and sharp impression are offset by the poor centering and perforations cutting into the design. The overall visual balance is weak, warranting a five-point deduction for eye appeal under PSE guidelines.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 30 (Good)
Soundness Deduction: 0 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 30
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 25 (Fair/Good – FR-G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 279
Condition: Unused, Never Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: Good (30), perforations cut into the design
Soundness: Very Minor Fault, light gum wrinkle and gum bend
Perforations: Gauge 12 intact, but intruding into design at right and top
Eye Appeal: –5 deduction for imbalance and design loss
Final Grade: 25 (Fair/Good – FR-G)

Final Verdict:
This unused never hinged example of Scott #279 is genuine but suffers from severe centering issues, with perforations cutting into Franklin’s portrait and frame. Natural gum irregularities are present but minor. The final grade of Fair/Good (25) reflects the combination of poor centering and diminished visual appeal, though the never hinged status provides some value retention compared to hinged examples of the same grade.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (828)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions