U. S. Scott #300 - Used - Graded Fair

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

300

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1903

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #300 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Green – Benjamin Franklin, 1902
(Series of 1902 – Flat Plate Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #300 is the 1¢ green denomination from the 1902 Series, commemorating Benjamin Franklin with an intricate classical design. The stamp was printed via flat plate method on watermarked paper and perforated 12. Its detailed frame includes allegorical figures and scrollwork, with “POSTAGE ONE CENT” at the base.

This example is used, hinged, and has no original gum remaining. While the front retains strong color and complete design elements, there are significant faults on the back that materially impact the stamp’s grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine)
The left perforations come very close to the design, but retain visible white space.
The remaining three margins are uneven, with the top and bottom moderate, and right slightly narrow.
Under the PSE grading scale, this qualifies as Fine centering: “The perforation holes on one or two sides come very close to the design, but some white space remains visible to the unaided eye.”

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp has the following faults:
Major Fault: Large thin on the back, clearly visible
Minor Fault: Heavy cancellation bleed-through to the back
Minor Fault: Heavy multicolor ink transfer from contact with another stamp
These faults, taken together, classify this stamp under the Major Fault category per PSE grading guidelines (one major fault plus one or more additional faults).
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 12 on all sides, with no signs of trimming or reperforation.
Perforations are physically intact, though slightly irregular.
The left margin is particularly close to the design, influencing centering.

Cancellation Classification:
The vertical black line cancel is bold and extends across Franklin’s portrait and text. Cancellation bleed-through is clearly visible on the reverse. According to the 2009 PSE grading guide, this qualifies as a Heavy Cancel.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 71 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 26 (Fair/Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –10 (Heavy cancel)
Final Grade 16 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 300
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 71 (Fine) – perforations come very close on the left side
Soundness: Major Fault (large thin); Minor Faults (bleed-through, ink transfer)
Perforations: Perf 12 on all sides, intact but uneven
Cancellation: Heavy cancel with bleed-through
Eye Appeal: –10 point deduction
Final Grade: 16 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #300 example, while visually intact from the front with Fine centering, suffers from significant back faults. The major thin, cancellation bleed-through, and ink transfer lower its soundness to the Major Fault category. With a Fine centering base and appropriate eye appeal deduction, the final grade is 16 (Fair) according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (647)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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