U. S. Scott #285 - Used - Graded G/VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

285

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 #285 (Used, Hinged, No Original Gum)

Design Overview:
Scott #285 is a 1-cent deep green stamp from the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition Issue, printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The stamp features an engraved design titled "Marquette on the Mississippi," depicting Jesuit missionary Jacques Marquette exploring the Mississippi River in 1673. This commemorative issue honored American expansion and exploration.

This particular example is used, hinged, and has no original gum (NG). The centering is graded Very Good (54), meaning that the perforations appear to touch or slightly cut into the frameline on at least one side.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 54 (Very Good - VG)
✔ The perforation holes touch or slightly cut into the frameline on at least one side.
✔ The margins are narrower than ideal, which restricts the centering grade to the Very Good range.
✔ The design remains mostly intact but lacks the balance seen in higher grades.

Soundness: Very Minor Fault (Hinge Mark / Hinge Remnant) (-10 Deduction)
? The stamp has a hinge mark or hinge remnant on the back.
? No significant structural damage such as creases, thins, or tears.
? Due to the hinge remnant, a 10-point deduction is applied.

Perforations & Margins:
✔ Perforation Gauge: 12, which is correct for Scott #285.
✔ Margins: One or two sides appear narrow, contributing to the centering downgrade.
✔ Perforations: Mostly intact, but some areas are closer to the design than preferred.

Cancellation Classification: Moderate Cancel (No Adjustment Applied)
? The stamp has a moderate cancel, covering a portion of the design but not completely obscuring key elements.
? The cancel does not qualify as light enough for a bonus nor heavy enough for a deduction.
? Due to its moderate nature, no eye appeal bonus or deduction is applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Very Good Centering) 54
Soundness Deduction (Hinge Mark - Very Minor Fault) -10
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Moderate Cancel - No Change) 0
Final Numerical Grade 44 (Good/Very Good - G/VG)

Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 285
Condition Used, Hinged, No Original Gum (H, NG)
Centering 54 (Very Good - VG)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (-10 for Hinge Mark)
Perforations Perforation gauge 12, some areas touch the design
Cancellation Moderate cancel (No bonus or deduction applied)
Eye Appeal Average, with good color but close-cut perforations
Final Grade 44 (Good/Very Good - G/VG)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #285 stamp has Very Good (54) centering, but the hinge mark results in a 10-point deduction, bringing the final numerical grade to 44 (Good/Very Good - G/VG). While still collectible, the centering issues and hinge mark limit its desirability for high-end collectors.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (667)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Bids
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions