U. S. Scott #300 - Used - Graded G/VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

300

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

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 stamp from the 1902 Series, featuring a finely engraved portrait of Benjamin Franklin. The ornate frame includes allegorical figures and decorative scrollwork, with "POSTAGE ONE CENT" boldly displayed at the bottom. This stamp was printed by flat plate method, watermarked, and perforated 12.

This particular example is used, has been hinged, and shows no remaining gum. While visually strong on the front, there is light ink transfer on the back. The stamp exhibits tight margins on the bottom and right, affecting its centering grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 50 (Very Good)
The bottom perforations clearly touch the design.
The right side is very close to the design but retains a thin band of white space.
The top and left margins are more generous and help preserve balance.
Under the 2009 PSE grading system, this qualifies as Very Good centering: “The perforations actually touch, appear to touch, or very slightly cut into the frameline of the design.”

Soundness Evaluation:
There are no creases, tears, thins, or perforation damage. However, the stamp has:
Very Minor Fault: Light ink transfer visible on the reverse (green speckling from contact with another printed surface).
This qualifies as a Very Minor Fault under PSE guidelines.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –10 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 12 on all four sides.
Perforations are fully intact and untampered.
Bottom margin touches the design; right margin is narrow with visible white space; top and left are moderate.

Cancellation Classification:
The cancel is faint and non-obtrusive. Most of the design, including Franklin’s portrait, remains fully visible.
This qualifies as a Neat/Light cancel, with no deduction to eye appeal.
Cancellation Classification: Light Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 50 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction –10 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 40 (Good/Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment 0 (Neat cancel)
Final Grade 40 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 300
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 50 (Very Good) – bottom touches the design, right comes very close
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (light ink transfer on back)
Perforations: Perf 12, all sides intact and undisturbed
Cancellation: Light and neat, not visually disruptive
Eye Appeal: 0 deduction
Final Grade: 40 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #300 stamp presents well from the front, with a classic design and full structural integrity. The bottom perforations touch the design, and the right side is very tight, resulting in a Very Good centering grade. A light ink transfer on the back qualifies as a Very Minor Fault, leading to a final grade of 40 (Good/Very Good) per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (647)

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

Public Questions