U. S. Scott #286 - Used - Graded G/VG (SD22-0002-02-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

286

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 #286 (Used, Never Hinged, No Gum – Single Stamp)
2¢ Copper Red – Farming in the West, 1898
(Trans-Mississippi Exposition Issue – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview
Scott #286 is the 2¢ value from the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition series. The central vignette, Farming in the West, depicts a team of horses plowing a field, with numerous figures and covered wagons in the background. This allegorical representation of American agricultural development is framed with ornate scrollwork and heavy frame lines. The stamp was produced by flat plate printing and perforated gauge 12.

This example is used, reportedly never hinged, and has no original gum remaining.

Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (78)
All four margins are visually clear of the design. The bottom margin is the tightest and approaches the frameline most closely, while the right margin is the widest. The top margin is slightly narrow, and the left is moderately wide. Overall balance meets the standards for Fine/Very Fine centering per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation
This stamp presents several issues that affect its soundness. It has a natural straight edge on the left, which is considered a fault on post-1890 stamps. A perf tip crease is present, qualifying as a very minor fault. Light cancel bleed-through is visible on the reverse side, as is light ink transfer from the front. A guideline is visible on the perforation tips of one side, which is classified as an extremely minor fault.

This combination—one fault, two very minor faults, and one extremely minor fault—meets the PSE definition for a Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins
The stamp is perforated 12 on three sides, with a natural straight edge at left. Perforation tips are generally intact, though one tip shows a faint crease. Margins are clear of the design on all sides. The lower margin is closest to the frameline and defines the bottom boundary for the centering grade.

Cancellation Evaluation
A black cancel is applied in the upper left quadrant of the stamp. It is dense enough to slightly obscure detail but does not overwhelm the design. On the reverse, there is light but visible bleed-through of the cancel ink. Based on this, the cancel falls into the Moderate/Neat category, with minor bleed noted. While not qualifying for a penalty under eye appeal, the bleed-through is already included as a very minor soundness fault.
Cancellation Classification: Neat/Moderate Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Centering Grade: 78
Soundness Deduction: –30
Adjusted Base Grade: 48
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 48 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary
Scott Number: 286
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: Fine/Very Fine (78)
Soundness: Fault (natural straight edge, perf tip crease, cancel bleed, ink transfer, guideline on perforation)
Perforations: Perf 12, natural straight edge at left, intact except for one creased tip
Cancellation: Neat black cancel with light bleed-through visible on reverse
Eye Appeal: No deduction applied
Final Grade: 48 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict
This example of Scott #286 has strong visual appeal with solid centering and margins that stay well clear of the design. However, several small faults—including a natural straight edge and minor reverse ink bleed—reduce the soundness grade. The final numerical grade of 48 (Good/Very Good) reflects a well-centered but lightly flawed used stamp under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (721)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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