U. S. Scott #304 - Used - Graded VG (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, Never Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – Abraham Lincoln, 1903
(Series of 1902 – Engraved Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #304 is a 5¢ blue stamp issued in 1903 as part of the Series of 1902. It features an engraved portrait of Abraham Lincoln in an oval frame flanked by allegorical female figures symbolizing Victory and Peace. The dates of Lincoln’s birth and death (1809–1865) appear below the portrait, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” across the top and “POSTAGE FIVE CENTS” inscribed at the bottom. This example is used, has never been hinged, and no longer retains its original gum. A light cancellation is visible across the face.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 61 (Very Good/Fine – VG/F)
The left margin is the narrowest, with perforations nearly touching the design. The top margin is also narrow, though wider than the left, while the right and bottom margins provide comparatively more space. This imbalance results in centering that fits PSE’s Very Good/Fine category, where perforations may touch or appear to touch the frameline on one side but remain more balanced on others.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits two minor issues:
Very Minor Fault: Light cancellation bleed-through on the reverse.
Extremely Minor Fault: Pencil notation on the back.
These faults together constitute a Very Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –10 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12, consistent with the issue. Perforations are intact with no evidence of clipping, pulling, or trimming. The margins are unbalanced, with the left side most constricted and the right side the widest, corresponding to the VG/F centering grade.

Cancellation Evaluation:
A light black circular cancel crosses Lincoln’s portrait horizontally but does not fully obscure facial details. Under PSE guidelines, this is considered a light-to-average cancel, not detrimental to overall legibility.

Collector’s Note:
While heavier cancels on this issue often obscure Lincoln’s face, the present cancel, though across the portrait, leaves the design reasonably clear and is more acceptable than a barred or obliterating strike.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color and impression remain strong, with the deep blue retaining good freshness. However, the centering imbalance reduces visual harmony. No additional eye appeal deduction is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 61 (Very Good/Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –10 (Very Minor Faults)
Adjusted Base Grade: 51 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 51 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 304
Condition: Used, Never Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 61 (Very Good/Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (bleed-through, pencil mark) –10
Perforations: Perf 12, full and intact
Cancellation: Light circular cancel across portrait
Eye Appeal: No additional adjustment
Final Grade: 51 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This example of Scott #304 displays unbalanced centering with the left margin nearly touching the design, combined with very minor back faults. While the stamp retains strong color and a tolerable cancel, its faults and centering hold it to Very Good (51). It remains a collectible example of the issue under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (827)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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