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

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 a 1¢ green commemorative from the ornate 1902 Series, showcasing a classical portrait of Benjamin Franklin. The engraved frame includes allegorical figures, shields, scrollwork, and “POSTAGE ONE CENT” in a wide banner at the base. It was flat plate printed on watermarked paper and perforated 12.

This example is used, hinged, and has no original gum. Though well preserved visually from the front, the stamp’s back reveals minor and extremely minor issues, and the centering is limited by narrow margins.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine)
The left and bottom perforations come very close to the design, but do not touch.
The top and right margins are moderate and comfortably clear of the design.
This meets PSE’s definition for Fine centering: “Perforation holes on one or two sides come very close to the design, but some white space remains visible.”

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp displays the following faults:
Fault: Natural straight edge (left side)
Very Minor Fault: Light dirt smudging and spotting on the back
Extremely Minor Fault: Pencil annotations (“1937,” “Deep Green,” etc.) on the back
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, a natural straight edge is a Fault, and the presence of additional very minor and extremely minor issues keeps the stamp within the Fault soundness category.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –40 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 12 on three sides, with a natural straight edge on the left.
Perforations come very close to the design on both the left and bottom sides.
No indications of trimming or reperforation.

Cancellation Classification:
The cancel is a moderately dark black circular postmark located on the left, affecting one cherub and part of the lettering. It avoids Franklin’s portrait and most design elements. Despite its location, it is not heavily obtrusive.
Cancellation Classification: Moderate/Neat
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 71 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction –40 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 31 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment 0 (Neat cancel)
Final Grade 31 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 300
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 71 (Fine) – perforations come very close on left and bottom
Soundness: Fault (Natural straight edge); Very Minor Fault (light dirt smudge); Extremely Minor Fault (pencil marks)
Perforations: Perf 12 on three sides, straight edge on left
Cancellation: Moderate, not obtrusive
Eye Appeal: 0 deduction
Final Grade: 31 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged Scott #300 has Fine centering, though the left and bottom perforations come very close to the design, and a natural straight edge is present. The pencil markings and light soiling on the reverse further reduce its soundness. However, the cancellation is unobtrusive, and the stamp still presents well from the front. The final grade is 31 (Good) under 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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