U. S. Scott #295 - Used - Graded Good

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

295

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1901

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #295 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine & Black – Fast Express, 1901
(Pan-American Exposition Issue – Depiction of American Rail Transportation)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #295, issued as part of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition set, showcases a bold and iconic image of a steam-powered express train in motion. The design, titled Fast Express, features a central black vignette of a train racing across the countryside, framed by ornate carmine red borders. Representing industrial progress and modern transportation at the dawn of the 20th century, the stamp remains a favorite among collectors. This example is postally used, previously hinged, and has no original gum—but importantly, it bears no visible cancellation.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 53 (Very Good – VG)
The design comes very close to the perforations along the top and left sides, with some areas where the perforations touch or nearly touch the frameline.
The bottom and right margins are slightly wider, but the overall impression is off-center.
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this places the stamp within the Very Good (VG) centering range.

? Soundness Evaluation:
Fault Type Description Category
Fault Small tear (≈1 mm) visible from the reverse Fault
Very Minor Fault Hinge remnant (top-center area) Very Minor
A tear, even if small and located on the reverse, constitutes a Fault, and when combined with a Very Minor Fault (hinging), this remains within the Fault soundness deduction category.

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
All perforation tips are intact and normally punched.
One or two perforation holes along the top and left sides touch the design, contributing to the VG centering classification.
No evidence of reperforation or trimming.

?️ Cancellation Classification:
Cancellation Status: ❌ No Visible Cancellation
There are no markings or postmarks visible on the front or back of the stamp.
The design is completely unobscured, which is rare for a used stamp but occasionally occurs due to incomplete or missed canceling.
This lack of cancellation enhances the stamp's visual appeal.

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Evaluation Adjustment
Cancellation No visible cancel – maximum appeal bonus +10
Color & Freshness Strong black vignette and carmine frame 0
Paper Condition Tear noted but included in soundness deduction 0
Total Adjustment +10

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Value
Base Grade (Very Good Centering) 53
Soundness Deduction (Fault + VMF) –30
Eye Appeal Adjustment (No visible cancel) +10
Final Numerical Grade 33
Final Adjectival Grade: Good (G)
According to the 2009 PSE grading scale, a score of 30–39 equates to Good (G).

? Final Summary:
Category Description
Scott Number 295
Condition Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering 53 (Very Good – VG)
Soundness Fault (1 mm tear) + Very Minor Fault (hinge remnant)
Perforations Full, with design touching top and left perforations
Cancellation ❌ No visible cancel
Eye Appeal +10 points (exceptionally clean, unobscured design)
Final Grade 33 (Good – G)

? Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #295 offers strong color, intact perforations, and a visually clean front with no cancellation, enhancing its presentation. The small tear and hinge remnant reduce its soundness, but the lack of cancel elevates the eye appeal. Final grade: 33 (Good) per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (673)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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