U. S. Scott #305 - Used - Graded Fair (LA01-0014-02-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

305

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 #305 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
6¢ Claret – James A. Garfield, 1903
(Second Bureau Issue – Engraved, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #305 features a finely engraved portrait of President James A. Garfield. Flanking the portrait are classical architectural columns, with "1831" and "1881" below, denoting Garfield’s birth and death years. The bottom inscription reads “POSTAGE SIX CENTS,” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” inscribed at the top. This Second Bureau Issue was printed in claret ink, perforated 12, and issued in 1903.

This specimen is postally used, has been hinged, and no longer retains its original gum. While the design remains sharply printed, the stamp is off-center and has several faults that affect its grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 54 (Very Good)
The stamp is visibly off-center, with the design nearly touching the perforations on the left and bottom sides. Margins are significantly wider on the top and right, with the right side having a natural straight edge. This configuration fits the 2009 PSE definition of Very Good centering (54).

Soundness Evaluation:
The following faults are present:
Fault: Natural straight edge on the right side
Minor Fault: Heavy cancellation bleed-through on the back
Very Minor Fault: Guideline prominently visible near perforations
This combination qualifies the stamp as having Fault soundness classification.
Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 12 on top, bottom, and left
Natural straight edge on the right
No evidence of reperforation or trimming
Design nearly touches perforations at bottom and left, consistent with centering grade

Cancellation Classification:
The black cancel strikes across Garfield’s face and extends vertically, obscuring major parts of the portrait
Heavy bleed-through is visible on the back, reducing visual clarity
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Classification Adjustment
Cancellation Heavy –10
Color & Impression Strong 0
Overall Appearance Moderately obscured –10
Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 54 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 24 (Fair/Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –10
Final Grade 14 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Attribute Details
Scott Number 305
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 54 (Very Good – design nearly touches left and bottom)
Soundness Fault (Natural straight edge, bleed-through, guideline)
Perforations Perf 12 on 3 sides; natural straight edge on right
Cancellation Heavy, obscures key design elements
Eye Appeal Adjustment –10 points
Final Grade 14 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged Scott #305 has Very Good centering, but the design nearly touches the perforations at the left and bottom, and the natural straight edge on the right contributes to imbalance. With additional faults including heavy cancellation bleed-through and a visible guideline, the stamp qualifies for a Fault soundness classification. A heavy cancel lowers its eye appeal, resulting in a final numerical grade of 14 (Fair) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (668)

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