U. S. Scott #303 - Used - Graded FR/G (NA01-0043-01-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

303

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1903

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #303 (Used, Hinged, No Gum)
4¢ Brown – Ulysses S. Grant, 1902
(1902 Second Bureau Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #303 is a 4¢ stamp from the 1902 Second Bureau Issue. It features a finely engraved portrait of President Ulysses S. Grant, framed by ornate scrollwork, with two spread-winged eagles at the top and laurel leaves at the sides. The denomination is shown in the lower corners with the word “FOUR CENTS” spelled out at the bottom. Printed in brown and perforated 12, this issue was part of the definitive set that introduced new portraits and designs. This example is postally used, has been hinged, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The design comes very close to the perforations on the left and top, but clear white space of about 0.2mm remains visible to the unaided eye. The left margin is the narrowest, the top margin is narrower than the right, and the bottom margin is the most generous. These proportions meet PSE standards for Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp shows multiple condition issues. A small pinhole is visible, and there is heavy cancellation bleed-through on the reverse. In addition, there is a perforation tip crease. These faults together constitute a Fault classification under PSE standards.
Soundness Deduction: –40 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations are gauge 12 as expected for this issue. However, one tip crease is visible, and alignment is slightly uneven relative to the design. Margins are uneven, with the left side tightest against the vignette and the bottom side the most open.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a heavy purple cancel that obscures much of the portrait of Grant. The cancellation is dark and dense, significantly reducing design clarity. Under PSE guidelines, this qualifies as a heavy cancel with bleed-through.

Collector’s Note:
Purple cancels are less common than black and can be of interest to collectors, but in this case the density of the strike diminishes desirability because of the facial obstruction and reverse bleed-through.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The brown color remains fairly strong, but the heavy purple cancel dominates the design, severely limiting visual appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –40 (Fault classification)
Adjusted Base Grade: 30
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10
Final Grade: 20 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 303
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 70 (Fine)
Soundness: Fault (pinhole, cancel bleed-through, perf crease)
Perforations: Perf 12, intact but with creasing and uneven balance
Cancellation: Heavy purple cancel, obscuring portrait, with bleed-through
Eye Appeal: –10 adjustment due to heavy cancel and bleed-through
Final Grade: 20 (Fair/Good – FR/G)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #303 shows Fine centering but is heavily compromised by multiple soundness faults and a heavy purple cancel that obscures Grant’s portrait. The final grade of Fair/Good 20 reflects these detractors under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. It remains a collectible placeholder example of the 1902 4¢ Grant issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (779)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions