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 – Single Stamp)
2¢ Copper Red – Farming in the West, 1898
(Trans-Mississippi Exposition Issue – Agricultural Scene with Horse-Drawn Plows)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #286 showcases the richly detailed engraving Farming in the West, part of the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition commemorative series. The scene portrays settlers tilling soil with horse-drawn plows under expansive western skies, symbolizing the agrarian drive that shaped the American frontier. The copper red ink lends the stamp a warm, rustic tone suited to its subject. This example features a classic circular black cancellation, applied primarily to the upper-left corner.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The stamp has visibly narrow side margins, especially left and bottom, but the design is clearly clear of the perforations.
Under 2009 PSE grading definitions, this qualifies as Fine/Very Fine, typical of many Bureau issues from this era.
Soundness Evaluation: Fault (Moderate Crease)
A moderate diagonal crease is visible on the reverse and subtly distorts the surface when examined under oblique light.
Per the PSE grading guide, a body crease or moderate visible crease is categorized as a “Fault,” warranting a significant deduction.

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Perforations are complete on all four sides and not clipped or uneven.
The top and right sides show wider margins, while the left and bottom margins are tighter but retain clear separation from the design.

?️ Cancellation Classification:
Type: Circular Black CDS (Partially Obscured)
The cancellation affects the top-left corner, intersecting with the numeral and text but leaving the central vignette largely unobstructed.
Classified as a Heavy Cancel, per PSE guidelines, due to its dense application over key elements, though the design remains decipherable.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Evaluation Adjustment
Cancellation Heavy (top-left, obscures "2" and "UNITED") –8
Color & Freshness Strong original color; no fading +0
Paper Condition Moderate diagonal crease, subtle surface impact –2 (visual)
Total Adjustment –10

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Value
Base Grade (F/VF Centering: 77) 77
Soundness Deduction (Fault: Crease) –30
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Heavy Cancel + Visual Distortion) –10
Final Numerical Grade 37
Final Adjectival Grade: Good (G)
According to PSE's grading scale, 30–39 corresponds to Good (G).

? Final Summary:
Category Description
Scott Number 286
Condition Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
Soundness Fault (Moderate Diagonal Crease)
Perforations Fully intact and well-formed
Cancellation Heavy Circular Cancel, upper-left
Eye Appeal –10 points (cancel and visible crease distortion)
Final Grade 37 (Good – G)

? Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #286 exhibits solid Fine/Very Fine centering and full perforations, but a moderate diagonal crease lowers its soundness rating. A heavy circular cancellation and minor surface distortion slightly affect eye appeal. With a net deduction of 40 points, the final grade stands at 37 (Good – G) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (579)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions