U. S. Scott #303 - Used - Graded Fair (NA01-0043-01-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

303

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 #303 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
4¢ Brown – Ulysses S. Grant, 1903
(Second Bureau Issue – Engraved, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #303 is the 4¢ brown stamp issued in 1903 as part of the Second Bureau Issue. It features an engraved portrait of Ulysses S. Grant, flanked by dates “1822” and “1885,” with eagles above and laurel branches surrounding the central vignette. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appear in a curved arch above, and “POSTAGE FOUR CENTS” spans the bottom of the stamp. The printing was done using the intaglio method with perforations gauged at 12.

This example is postally used, has been hinged, and no longer retains original gum. The front shows an intact design and reasonable color retention, but the reverse reveals significant issues that impact its overall soundness grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
The design is slightly off-center, especially at the top and left margins, but all four margins maintain clear white space between the perforations and design. The narrowest margin meets the minimum 0.4mm requirement for Fine/Very Fine classification under PSE standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
The following faults are observed:
Fault: Small tear (approx. 1 mm) at bottom left
Fault: Natural straight edge on right
Very Minor Fault: Light cancellation bleed-through visible on reverse
Extremely Minor Fault: Guideline visible on perf tips of one side (right)
The combination of a tear, a natural straight edge, and two additional lesser faults meets the criteria for a Major Fault classification under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 12 on top, right, and bottom sides
Natural straight edge on the right
Tear visible at the bottom left perforation
No evidence of reperforation or trimming
Margins are slightly imbalanced, with the bottom margin being narrower than the rest

Cancellation Classification:
The cancel is dark and somewhat blotchy, covering a large portion of the portrait including the face
Some bleed-through is visible on the reverse
This level of cancellation qualifies as Very Heavy Cancel under the PSE guidelines
Cancellation Classification: Very Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Classification Adjustment
Cancellation Very Heavy –15
Color & Impression Reasonable 0
Overall Appearance Obscured design –15
Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 33 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 18 (Fair)

Final Summary:
Attribute Details
Scott Number 303
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 78 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Major Fault (Tear, Straight Edge, Bleed-through, Guideline)
Perforations Perf 12 on three sides, natural straight edge on left
Cancellation Very heavy, obscures portrait
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15 points
Final Grade 18 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #303 exhibits solid Fine/Very Fine centering and retains strong engraved detail. However, the presence of a small tear, natural straight edge, bleed-through, and very heavy cancellation lead to a Major Fault classification and significant eye appeal deduction. As a result, the stamp earns a final grade of 18 (Fair) 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

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