U. S. Scott #297 - Used - Graded Fair (LA01-0013-05-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

297

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 #297 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue & Black – Bridge at Niagara Falls, 1901
(Pan-American Exposition Issue – Bicolor, Engraved, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #297 is a 5¢ bicolor commemorative stamp issued in 1901 for the Pan-American Exposition. It features an engraved view of the Niagara Falls Bridge, symbolizing the triumph of engineering. The black central vignette is framed by an ornate blue border. Printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the stamp was perforated 12 and printed via two separate plates.

This particular example is postally used, has been hinged, and no original gum remains. While its basic structure is intact, the reverse reveals severe condition issues, including thins, creases, and tears.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 56 (Very Good)
The right perforations touch or nearly touch the frameline.
The left and top margins are wider and clearly clear of the design.
The bottom margin is intermediate in width.
This distribution matches PSE’s criteria for Very Good centering (perforations touch or cut into frameline with margin range 0.1mm to –0.1mm).

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp has multiple overlapping condition faults that fall under PSE's Severe Fault classification:
Severe Fault: Multiple deep thins on the reverse
Major Fault: Heavy vertical or diagonal crease
Fault: 1–2 small tears (approx. 1mm)
Very Minor Fault: Visible hinge remnant
These issues dramatically reduce the collectible integrity of the stamp.
Soundness Classification: Severe Fault
Soundness Deduction: Combined with centering, results in Fair (13–15) range

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 12 on all sides, as expected for the issue.
All perforations appear original but are not uniformly clean (some rounding or softening, especially near the lower right).
No evidence of reperforation.
Margin balance contributes to the centering score but is inconsistent.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a light partial circular cancel, slightly smudged and applied diagonally.
It does not obliterate the central vignette or key design elements.
PSE would likely consider this a Light to Moderate Cancel.
Cancellation Classification: Light Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points (negated by severe soundness issues)

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 56 (Very Good)
Soundness Grade: Severe Fault
Combined Grade (Per PSE Table): 13–15 (Fair)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 (bonus not awarded due to severe condition issues)
Final Grade: 14 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 297
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 56 (Very Good)
Soundness: Severe Fault (multiple thins, crease, tears, hinge remnant)
Perforations: Perf 12, original but inconsistently clean
Cancellation: Light cancel, but no bonus applied due to overall condition
Final Grade: 14 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #297 presents a very good centering layout, but its collectibility is significantly diminished by multiple structural faults: deep thins, a heavy crease, and small tears, placing it firmly in the Fair (14) category. While its visual appeal from the front is above average for a spacefiller, the back damage prohibits a higher grade or bonus.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (881)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions