U. S. Scott #286 - Used - Graded Good (LA01-0013-01-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

286

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 #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 is part of the renowned 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition Issue. The design, titled Farming in the West, depicts a classic scene of American agricultural labor: farmers with horse-drawn plows turning the soil, representing the expansion and settlement of the western frontier. Printed in copper red ink, the stamp conveys depth and movement in a crowded but cohesive composition. This example has a bold "X" manuscript cancellation, typical of revenue or fiscal usage, which adds character to its history.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 54 (Very Good – VG)
The stamp is distinctly off-center; perforations touch or appear to touch the design at the left.
According to PSE standards, this places the centering in the Very Good range (50–59), most likely the lower end.
Soundness Evaluation: Very Minor Fault
A hinge remnant is clearly visible on the reverse.
Per PSE standards, this qualifies as a Very Minor Fault.
Since hinging is noted separately and not treated as a fault on used stamps, the only fault counted here is the hinge remnant itself.

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Standard gauge perforation (approx. 12) is intact on all four sides.
Perforations appear slightly uneven in depth on the left edge but are full and not obviously clipped.
Margins are narrow, especially on the left side where they nearly meet the design.

?️ Cancellation Classification:
Type: Heavy Manuscript Cancel (Black Ink “XXXX”)
The cancel is dark and applied in thick strokes, obliterating a significant portion of the central vignette.
This is considered a Very Heavy Cancel, reducing the stamp’s visual appeal.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Evaluation Adjustment
Cancellation Very Heavy – Obscures much of the design –12
Color & Freshness Strong color remains, no fading +0
Paper Condition No obvious tone, stain, or discoloration +0
Total Adjustment –12

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Value
Base Grade (Very Good Centering: 54) 54
Soundness Deduction (Very Minor Fault) –10
Eye Appeal Adjustment (Very Heavy Cancel) –12
Final Numerical Grade 32
Final Adjectival Grade: Good (G)
Per PSE’s numerical scale, a grade of 30–39 equates to Good (G).

? Final Summary:
Category Description
Scott Number 286
Condition Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering 54 (Very Good – VG)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (Hinge Remnant)
Perforations Fully intact; slight irregularity at left but no pulled perfs
Cancellation Very Heavy Manuscript Cancel (black "XXXX" obliterating center)
Eye Appeal –12 point deduction (obscured design)
Final Grade 32 (Good – G)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #286 example displays powerful historical imagery from the celebrated Trans-Mississippi Exposition Issue. While it retains full perforations and strong color, the centering is notably off and the manuscript cancellation significantly detracts from visual appeal. A hinge remnant further impacts the technical soundness. These factors yield a final grade of 32 (Good) under the PSE 2009 grading guidelines.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (661)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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