U. S. Scott #279 - Used [LA01-0012-04-01]

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 – Single Stamp)
1¢ Deep Green – Benjamin Franklin, 1898
(U.S. Regular Issue – Bureau Small Bank Notes, 1895–1898)

Design Overview:
Scott #279 features a classic engraved bust of Benjamin Franklin in profile, surrounded by 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 was primarily used for local or printed matter postage.

The example submitted is used, hinged, and has no original gum. It bears a light cancellation and shows signs of wear consistent with its age and postal history.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 50 (Very Good)
The right and bottom perforations cut into the design, with partial loss of the framelines. The top and left margins retain white space but are narrow. According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this qualifies for a Very Good (50) centering grade: “The perforations actually touch, appear to touch, or very slightly cut into the frameline of the design.”

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits two full-height vertical creases visible from the back that affect the paper texture and flatness. Under the PSE Soundness/Centering matrix, Very Good (50) centering combined with a Severe Fault results in a Fair grade.
Soundness Classification: Severe Fault
Base Grade: 15

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on all sides. The perforations are intact and free of ragged edges, though the bottom and right edges cut into the design, contributing to the Very Good centering classification.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp bears a light black cancel along the left margin that curves faintly into the vignette but does not obscure the portrait or key design elements. This unobtrusive cancel qualifies for a positive adjustment.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 points (bonus for light cancel and clean appearance, deduction for visible creases)

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 50 (Very Good)
Base Grade (Centering + Severe Fault): 15
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5
Final Grade: 20 (Fair/Good – FR/GD)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 279
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 50 (Very Good) – design touched on right and bottom
Soundness: Severe Fault (two vertical creases)
Perforations: Gauge 12, intact but cutting into design on right and bottom
Cancellation: Light cancel on left side, unobtrusive
Eye Appeal: +5 points for light cancel and clean front appearance
Final Grade: 20 (Fair/Good – FR/GD)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #279 has Very Good centering, but the presence of two severe vertical creases substantially reduces its technical grade. A light cancel on the left side modestly enhances the overall visual appeal. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final numerical grade is 20 (Fair/Good).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (938)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions