U. S. Scott #279 - Used - Graded G/VG (NA01-0039-04-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

279

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1898

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #279 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Deep Green – Benjamin Franklin, 1898
(First Bureau Issue – Soft Paper Printing by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing)

Design Overview:
Scott #279 features an engraved left-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin in deep green. Issued in 1898 as part of the definitive series printed on soft paper, this stamp represents the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s refined design and printing precision of the era. The serif font and scroll-adorned frame are characteristic of the final printings of the First Bureau Issue.

The example submitted is used, hinged, and has no original gum. It bears a horizontal black cancellation and displays multiple condition issues on the reverse, including light ink transfer and a tiny thin.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The framelines are clear of the perforations on all four sides. The design is slightly off-center toward the bottom and left, with narrow but present margins. These attributes fully meet the criteria for Fine/Very Fine centering under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has a tiny thin on the reverse (minor fault), a hinge remnant (very minor fault), and light ink transfer on the back (very minor fault). According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the combination of a minor fault with two very minor faults results in a Fault soundness classification.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points
Base Grade: 47 (Good/Very Good – GD/VG)

Perforations and Margins:
The perforations are fully intact, evenly spaced, and free from clipping, pulling, or shortening. Margins are slightly narrow but balanced and clear of the design.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp bears moderate horizontal black cancel lines crossing Franklin’s portrait from left to right. The cancel is medium in weight and does not obscure the facial features, but it does detract slightly from the visual appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Base Grade (Centering + Fault Soundness): 47
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 (Moderate Cancel)
Final Grade: 42 (Good/Very Good – GD/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 279
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (tiny thin, hinge remnant, light ink transfer)
Perforations: Intact, well-formed, and evenly spaced
Cancellation: Moderate horizontal black lines crossing the portrait (–5 points)
Eye Appeal: –5 points for cancellation impact
Final Grade: 42 (Good/Very Good – GD/VG)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #279 shows solid centering and clean, intact perforations. A tiny thin and multiple minor issues on the reverse reduce its soundness grade, and a moderate cancel across Franklin’s portrait slightly detracts from eye appeal. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final numerical grade is 42 (Good/Very Good).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (842)

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