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

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

279

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

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
(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. As part of the 1898 definitive series printed on soft paper, it represents the evolution of the Bureau's design and printing precision. The stamp’s clean serif font and scroll-adorned frame reflect the style of the final printings from the First Bureau Issue era.

This used example is neatly struck with a horizontal black cancel and reveals multiple condition issues on the back, including light ink transfer and a tiny thin.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Framelines are clear of perforations on all four sides.
Slightly off center toward the bottom and left, with narrow but present margins.
Fully qualifies for Fine/Very Fine centering under PSE visual and margin standards.

? Soundness Evaluation:
Fault Description Classification
Minor Fault Tiny thin (approx. 1 mm) on reverse Minor
Very Minor Fault Hinge remnant Very Minor
Very Minor Fault Light ink transfer on back Very Minor
Combined Soundness Classification: Fault
Per 2009 PSE guidelines, a minor fault plus two very minor faults qualifies the stamp for Fault soundness.
Deduction for Fault Soundness: –30 points
Base Grade (Centering 77 – 30): 47 (Good/Very Good – GD/VG)

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
All perforations are fully intact, with no clipping, pulling, or shortening.
Perforation teeth are evenly spaced.
Margins are slightly narrow but visually balanced and clear of the design.

? Cancellation Classification:
Horizontal black lines cross the portrait from left to right.
The cancel is medium in weight and does not obscure Franklin’s facial features.
Based on PSE standards, this qualifies as a Moderate Cancel (between “Neat” and “Heavy”).
Classification: Moderate Cancel
Deduction: –5 points

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Observation Adjustment
Color & Impression Bold green color with good contrast +0
Paper Appearance Thin and ink transfer are not visible on the front ±0
Cancellation Moderate, dark lines across portrait –5
? Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Value
Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Fault Soundness) 47
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Moderate Cancel) –5
Final Numerical Grade 42

? Final Summary:
Attribute Details
Scott Number 279
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Fault (Tiny thin, hinge remnant, light ink transfer)
Perforations Intact and well-formed
Cancellation Moderate horizontal black lines (–5)
Eye Appeal –5 (due to cancellation)
Final Grade 42 (Good/Very Good – GD/VG)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #279 stamp shows solid centering and well-formed perforations, but a tiny thin and multiple minor issues on the reverse reduce its soundness. A moderate cancel across Franklin’s portrait slightly detracts from the aesthetic. With a final score of 42 (Good/Very Good – GD/VG), the stamp remains collectible but is moderately affected by its faults and cancellation.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (573)

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

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