U. S. Scott #279 - Used - Graded FR/G

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

279

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1898

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #279 (Used, Hinged, No Gum – Single Stamp)
1¢ Deep Green – Benjamin Franklin, 1898
(U.S. Regular Issue – Bureau Small Bank Notes, 1895–1898)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #279 showcases a classic engraved bust of Benjamin Franklin in profile, set in an ornate scroll frame, and printed in deep green ink. Issued in 1898 as part of the final “Small Bank Note” series, this 1¢ definitive stamp primarily served local or printed matter postage needs. This specimen bears a light cancellation and shows wear consistent with its age and postal history.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 50 (Very Good – VG)
The right and bottom perforations cut into the design, with both framelines partially lost.
The top and left margins retain white space, though they are narrow.
Under PSE guidelines, this qualifies as Very Good (50): “The perforations actually touch, appear to touch, or very slightly cut into the frameline of the design.”

? Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits two strong vertical creases, fully visible on the back image and affecting both paper texture and flatness.
Fault Type Description Classification
Severe Fault Two full-height vertical creases Severe Fault
? Per the PSE Soundness/Centering matrix:
Very Good (50) centering + Severe Fault = Fair (13–15)
? Assigned Base Grade: 15

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Standard 12-gauge perforations are intact, with no ragged or clipped edges.
The bottom and right edges cut visibly into the design, which contributes to the VG centering assignment.

? Cancellation Classification:
A light black cancel appears along the left margin, curving faintly into the vignette.
It does not obscure the portrait or any critical design elements.
? Classification: Light Cancel
→ Qualifies for +10 Eye Appeal points

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Adjustment
Light Cancel (Left) +10
Creases (Visible) –5
Overall Presentation Average color, clean paper
? Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Value
Base Grade (VG Centering + Severe Fault) 15
Eye Appeal Adjustment +5
Final Numerical Grade 20 (Fair/Good – FR/GD)

? Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 279
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 50 (Very Good – VG); design touched on right & bottom
Soundness Severe Fault: Two vertical creases
Perforations Intact; standard gauge; bottom and right cut into design
Cancellation Light cancel (left side) – unobtrusive
Eye Appeal +5 (bonus for light cancel, deduction for crease visibility)
Final Grade 20 (Fair/Good – FR/GD)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #279 example is Very Good in centering, but the severe creasing lowers its soundness significantly. A light cancel on the left side modestly boosts its visual appeal. Based on PSE 2009 guidelines, this stamp earns a final numerical grade of 20 (Fair/Good – FR/GD).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (579)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions