U. S. Scott #306 - Used - Graded Fine (LA01-0014-02-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

306

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

70 (Fine)

Year of Issue

1902

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #306 (Used, Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
8¢ Black – Martha Washington, 1903
(Series of 1902 – Engraved Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #306 is an 8¢ black engraved stamp issued in 1903 as part of the Series of 1902. It features a finely detailed portrait of Martha Washington framed by ornate laurels, with her birth and death years, “1732–1802,” flanking the vignette. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” across the top and “POSTAGE EIGHT CENTS” at the bottom, with large numerals “8” at both lower corners. This example is used, bears a black cancellation, and retains no original gum. It has also been previously hinged, though hinging is treated separately for valuation purposes.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine – F/VF)
The stamp shows margins comfortably clear of the design, but the left margin is noticeably narrow, followed by the right margin. The top margin is the widest, and the bottom margin is somewhat fuller than the right. According to PSE guidelines, the design remains intact with visible white space, qualifying it for Fine/Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults Observed:
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant on the back.
This single issue constitutes a Very Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –5 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on all sides, consistent with the issue. All perforations are intact, without evidence of trimming or reperforation. While the sides are uneven in width, the margins maintain sufficient clearance of the design, aligning with the F/VF centering grade.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a black cancellation, which is moderately applied over the upper left portion of the vignette. The cancel does not obscure the face of Martha Washington significantly and falls under a neat/average cancel classification.

Collector’s Note:
Cancellations that leave the portrait recognizable, as seen here, are preferred over heavy barred or obliterating cancels, making this a more acceptable example for collectors.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp retains strong black coloration and good impression. The cancel, while present, does not overwhelm the design. No deduction is applied.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –5 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 72 (Fine)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 306
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (hinge remnant) –5
Perforations: Perf 12, intact and consistent with issue
Cancellation: Black cancel, moderate, leaves portrait clear
Eye Appeal: No deduction, strong color and impression
Final Grade: 72 (Fine – F)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #306 shows Fine/Very Fine centering and retains strong detail and impression. A hinge remnant constitutes its only noted fault, bringing the grade down to Fine (72). It remains a collectible example of the issue under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (830)

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