U. S. Scott #304 - Used - Graded Fair (LA01-0014-02-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

304

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1903

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #304 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – Abraham Lincoln, 1903
(Second Bureau Issue – Engraved, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #304 is the 5¢ blue stamp issued in 1903 as part of the Second Bureau Issue. The design features a finely engraved portrait of Abraham Lincoln flanked by classical allegorical figures representing Liberty and Equality. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” across the top, “1809 LINCOLN 1865” beneath the portrait, and “POSTAGE FIVE CENTS” along the bottom with “SERIES 1902.” The stamp was printed using the intaglio method and perforated 12.

This specimen is postally used, has been hinged, and no longer retains its original gum. Though the color and printing remain intact, several faults and narrow margins affect its final grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 52 (Very Good)
The stamp is clearly off-center. The bottom margin is so narrow that the perforations touch the design, qualifying for Very Good centering (52), per the 2009 PSE guidelines. The left and top margins are slightly wider, and the right margin has a natural straight edge, contributing to imbalance.

Soundness Evaluation:
The following faults are present:
Major Fault: Two creases visible on the reverse (qualifies as "two creases" per PSE major fault definition)
Fault: Natural straight edge on the right side
Very Minor Fault: Guideline visible on perforation tips on the left side
This combination (two creases + straight edge + guideline) meets the threshold for a Major Fault classification under the PSE soundness chart.
Soundness Classification: Major Fault
Soundness Deduction: –35 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 12 on top, bottom, and left sides
Natural straight edge on the right
Perforations intact, but bottom side touches design
No sign of reperforation or trimming

Cancellation Classification:
The cancel appears as two light-to-moderate black arcs across the center of the stamp
It does not obscure Lincoln’s portrait, and major design elements remain legible
Cancellation Classification: Neat / Clean Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Classification Adjustment
Cancellation Neat / Clean 0
Color & Impression Reasonable 0
Overall Appearance Unobscured design 0
Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 52 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction –35 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 17 (Fair)
Eye Appeal Adjustment 0
Final Grade 17 (Fair)

Final Summary:
Attribute Details
Scott Number 304
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 52 (Very Good – perf touches design)
Soundness Major Fault (Two creases, right straight edge, guideline)
Perforations Perf 12 on three sides, natural straight edge on right
Cancellation Neat and unobtrusive
Eye Appeal Adjustment 0 points
Final Grade 17 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged Scott #304 exhibits Very Good centering, though the bottom margin touches the design, and the right side has a natural straight edge. Two visible creases reduce soundness to a Major Fault, but the cancel is clean and does not obscure any critical elements. As a result, the final numerical grade is 17 (Fair) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (831)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions