U. S. Scott #303 - Used - Graded Good (LA01-0014-02-01)

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, Flat Plate Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #303 was issued in 1903 as part of the Second Bureau Issue and features an engraved portrait of Ulysses S. Grant, Civil War General and 18th President of the United States. The design includes ornamental scrollwork and a pair of eagles above the portrait, with the denomination “4 CENTS” flanking the central image. It was printed using the flat plate method, perforated 12, and typically used for double-weight domestic letters or international rates.

This particular example is postally used, has been previously hinged, and retains no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
All four margins are clear of the design. The top and left margins are slightly narrower than the right and bottom, resulting in a slight downward and rightward shift. Nevertheless, the overall balance remains visually acceptable, and the design is not approached by the perforations. This falls within the Fine/Very Fine range according to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits multiple small faults. A small thin is visible near the center on the back, along with residual gum. One short-to-very short perforation is visible on the left side, and another shorter perf about half normal length appears at the top. A small pencil annotation (“#303”) is written on the reverse. The thin alone would place the stamp into the Fault category, and the presence of multiple additional faults reinforces that classification.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on all sides, consistent with its flat plate production. Two perforation tips (left and top) are shorter than normal, with one very short. The rest of the perforations appear intact. There are no indications of trimming or reperforation. Margins are narrow at top and left, but design is completely clear of all perforation holes.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
A black circular date stamp cancel extends diagonally from the top left to the bottom right. While the cancel is bold, it does not obscure the portrait of Grant or other significant design elements. The overall presentation remains strong from a visual standpoint.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –45 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 32
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 32 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 303
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: Fine/Very Fine (77)
Soundness: Fault (thin, residual gum, short perfs, pencil mark)
Perforations: Perf 12 on all sides, two shorter perfs noted
Cancellation: Bold black circular cancel, unobtrusive to portrait
Eye Appeal: No deduction
Final Grade: 32 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #303 displays Fine/Very Fine centering and retains a clean, unobstructed portrait. However, a small thin, short perforations, gum disturbance, and a pencil mark reduce its structural integrity. Despite its visual strength and clean cancel, these issues result in a final numerical grade of 32 (Good – G) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (846)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Offers
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions