U. S. Scott #300 - Used - Graded VG (SL01-0001-08-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

300

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1903

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #300 (Used, Never Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Green – Benjamin Franklin, 1902
(Second Bureau Issue – Engraved, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #300 is the 1¢ green stamp issued in 1903 as part of the Second Bureau Issue. It features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin in an ornate frame flanked by allegorical cherubic figures holding shields and scrolls. “SERIES 1902” is printed above the portrait, while “1706 FRANKLIN 1790” appears below. The design was printed by engraving and the stamp was perforated 12 on all sides.

This example is postally used, has never been hinged, and has no remaining gum. The impression is strong, and the color remains bold. Despite overall integrity, there are minor physical issues visible on the reverse.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is off-center, with the bottom margin narrower than the top, and the right margin slightly narrower than the left. However, all four sides maintain clear white space between the perforations and the design. Margins meet the 0.4mm minimum threshold for Fine/Very Fine centering under PSE standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp has the following condition issues:
Fault: Natural straight edge on the right side
Very Minor Fault: Guideline clearly visible along the right edge
Extremely Minor Fault: One shorter perf at the bottom, about half normal length
Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the presence of a straight edge, one very minor fault, and one extremely minor fault yields a Fault classification.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 12 on top, bottom, and left sides
Natural straight edge on right side
One shorter perforation near the bottom right corner
No evidence of trimming or reperforation

Cancellation Classification:
Cancel Type: Light black circular date cancel
The cancellation gently touches the right side of Franklin’s portrait and arcs upward into the “U.S. POSTAGE” area, but does not obscure key design elements
Cancellation Classification: Light Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 points

Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Classification Adjustment
Cancellation Light +5
Color & Impression Strong 0
Overall Appearance Clear, attractive 0
Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 48 (Good/Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment +5 (Light Cancel)
Final Grade 53 (Very Good)

Final Summary:
Attribute Details
Scott Number 300
Condition Used, Never Hinged, No Gum
Centering 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Fault (Straight Edge, Guideline, Short Perf)
Perforations Perf 12 (Top, Bottom, Left); Natural Straight Edge on Right
Cancellation Light, not visually intrusive
Eye Appeal Adjustment +5 points
Final Grade 53 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This used, never hinged example of Scott #300 from the 1902 Second Bureau Issue exhibits Fine/Very Fine centering with solid perforation integrity on three sides. A natural straight edge on the right, a visible guideline, and a shorter bottom perf impact its soundness rating. The light cancellation preserves the design and contributes a +5 eye appeal adjustment. Overall, the stamp earns a final grade of 53 (Very Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (667)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions