U. S. Scott #286 - Used - Graded Good

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, Hinged, No Gum)

Design Overview:
Scott #286 is a 2-cent "Farming in the West" stamp from the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Issue, issued by the U.S. Post Office. This bicolor stamp features an engraving depicting farmers using a horse-drawn plow on the open frontier, a significant representation of American westward expansion.

This particular example is used, hinged, and has no original gum. The centering is graded as Fine/Very Fine (77), meaning the perforation holes are clear of the design, but at least one or two margins are narrow.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine - F/VF)
✔ The perforation holes are seen to be clear of the design with the unaided eye.
✔ Some margins appear slightly uneven, though the overall impression remains balanced.
✔ While not perfectly centered, this is a better-centered example than most.

Soundness: Major Fault (-45 Deduction)
? This stamp has several faulty, clipped, pulled, or short perforations on multiple sides, which classifies it as a Major Fault.
? Despite the perforation issues, the stamp structure remains intact without additional major damage such as a deep crease or tear.
? Due to this fault classification, a -45-point deduction is applied.

Perforations & Margins:
✔ Perforation Gauge: Standard gauge for Scott #286.
✔ Margins: Uneven, with some noticeably narrow sections.
✔ Perforations: Several short, clipped, and pulled perfs, particularly at the edges.

Cancellation Classification: Moderate Cancel (No Deduction)
? The stamp features a wavy-line machine cancel, which is clearly visible but does not overpower the design.
? The cancellation does not dominate the stamp or obscure key details.
? As a result, no deduction is applied for cancellation.

Eye Appeal Adjustment (No Bonus or Deduction)
✔ The red-brown color is relatively well-preserved despite the cancellation.
✔ The heavy perforation issues detract from the visual appeal.
✔ The cancellation is visible but does not completely obscure the design.
✔ Final Eye Appeal Adjustment: No additional deduction or bonus applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Fine/Very Fine Centering) 77
Soundness Deduction (Major Fault: Clipped/Pulled Perfs) -45
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Moderate Cancel) 0
Final Numerical Grade 32 (Good - G)

Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 286
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 77 (Fine/Very Fine - F/VF)
Soundness Major Fault (-45 for Clipped/Pulled Perfs)
Perforations Several clipped/pulled perfs
Cancellation Moderate machine cancel (No Deduction)
Eye Appeal Good contrast, perforation faults present
Final Grade 32 (Good - G)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #286 stamp has Fine/Very Fine (77) centering, but several clipped/pulled perforations result in a Major Fault deduction (-45 points), bringing the final numerical grade to 32 (Good - G). While the moderate machine cancel does not detract significantly, the perforation damage is the main factor limiting the grade. This stamp remains collectible but is in a lower-grade condition due to the faults.

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