U. S. Scott #284 - Used - Graded FR/G

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

284

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 #284 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
15¢ Olive Green – Henry Clay, 1898
(First Bureau Issue – Soft Paper Printing by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #284 features an engraved portrait of Henry Clay, a prominent 19th-century American statesman, printed in a rich olive green. Part of the 1898 Bureau Issue, this high-denomination stamp was used for heavier mail or foreign destinations. The design includes ornamental scrollwork and symmetrical denomination numerals at the bottom corners.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 59 (Very Good – VG)
The right margin perforations touch the design, and the bottom margin is extremely narrow, nearly touching.
At least one side appears to cut into the frameline under close inspection.
Meets the PSE definition of Very Good centering: ~0.1mm of margin on some sides, with slight touching allowed.

? Soundness Evaluation:
Fault Description Classification
Minor Fault Discoloration on the back of the stamp Minor
The back discoloration is visible as a broad toned area near the upper right.
There are no thins, creases, or tears noted.
No hinge marks or writing are present.
Combined Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, a single moderate discoloration qualifies as a Minor Fault.
? Deduction for Minor Fault: –25 points
? Base Grade (Centering 59 – 25): 34 (Good – G)

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Perforations are full, with no visible pulls or clipped teeth.
The cut is uniform and consistent with 1898 production.
The stamp has tight right and bottom margins, with the design touching the frame.

? Cancellation Classification:
The cancel is a double-ring black circular date stamp, applied with medium heaviness.
It covers much of the design, particularly Henry Clay’s face and coat.
It is readable, but detracts slightly from the portrait's visibility.
Classification: Heavy Cancel
? Eye Appeal Deduction: –10 points

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Observation Adjustment
Color & Impression Strong olive green tone, no fading +0
Paper Condition Discoloration only visible from reverse +0
Cancellation Impact Heavy CDS across portrait –10
? Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Base Grade (VG Centering + Minor Fault) 34
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Heavy Cancel) –10
Final Numerical Grade 24

? Final Summary:
Attribute Details
Scott Number 284
Condition Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering 59 (Very Good – VG)
Soundness Minor Fault (Discoloration on back)
Perforations Intact and full
Cancellation Heavy circular date cancel over portrait
Eye Appeal –10 (due to heavy cancel)
Final Grade 24 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #284 stamp shows tight centering, touching the frameline on at least one side, and has minor back discoloration, resulting in a Minor Fault classification. The heavy CDS cancel further impacts visual appeal, leading to a final grade of 24 (Fair/Good – FR/G).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (896)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions