U. S. Scott #279 - Used - Graded Good

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, NH, No Original Gum, Major Fault: Several Faulty Perfs)

Design Overview:
Scott #279 is a 1-cent deep green stamp from the 1898 Bureau Issue, printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. It features a finely engraved portrait of Benjamin Franklin, enclosed within an ornate oval frame. The stamp was printed on soft paper and has perforations measuring gauge 12.

This particular example is used, never hinged (NH), and has no original gum (NG). The centering is graded Fine/Very Fine (79), meaning that the perforation holes are easily seen to be clear of the design, but one or two margins are noticeably narrow. However, the presence of several faulty, clipped, pulled, or short perforations is classified as a major fault, which significantly affects the overall soundness rating.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine - F/VF)
✔ The perforation holes are fully clear of the design, meeting the Fine/Very Fine standard.
✔ One or two margins are narrower than the others, but still provide adequate separation from the design.
✔ The stamp is well-balanced, though it does not meet the threshold for Extremely Fine.

Soundness: Major Fault (Several Faulty, Clipped, Pulled, or Short Perfs) (-45 Deduction)
? The stamp exhibits multiple perforation issues, including clipped, pulled, and short perfs.
? This qualifies as a major fault, which significantly lowers the overall desirability and results in a -45 deduction.
? No major creases, tears, or thins observed beyond the noted perforation defects.

Perforations & Margins:
✔ Perforation Gauge: 12, which is correct for Scott #279.
✔ Margins: One or two sides are narrower than others, but do not touch the design.
✔ Perforations: Several faulty, clipped, pulled, or short perfs, which impact the overall integrity of the stamp.

Cancellation Classification: Light Cancel (+2 Eye Appeal Bonus)
? The stamp has a light black cancel, which does not obscure Franklin's portrait.
? The cancel is lightly applied and well-positioned, preserving the overall clarity of the design.
? The minimal ink coverage allows for a +2 bonus to eye appeal.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine/Very Fine Centering) 79
Soundness Deduction (Major Fault: Clipped & Pulled Perfs) -45
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Light Cancel Bonus) +2
Final Numerical Grade 36 (Good - G)

Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 279
Condition Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum (NH, NG)
Centering 79 (Fine/Very Fine - F/VF)
Soundness Major Fault (-45 for Several Clipped, Pulled, and Short Perfs)
Perforations Perforation gauge 12, multiple short or pulled perfs
Cancellation Light cancel (+2 bonus for minimal ink coverage)
Eye Appeal Strong color, but perforation faults reduce quality
Final Grade 36 (Good - G)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #279 stamp exhibits Fine/Very Fine (79) centering, but major perforation faults result in a 45-point deduction, while a light cancel provides a small +2 bonus, bringing the final numerical grade to 36 (Good - G). While the stamp retains strong color and a light cancellation, the faulty perforations significantly lower its collectible value.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (671)

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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