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

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

306

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1902

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #306 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
8¢ Black – Martha Washington, 1903
(Second Bureau Issue – Engraved, Flat Plate Printing, Perf 12)

?️ Design Overview:
Scott #306 is an 8¢ black stamp issued in 1903 as part of the Second Bureau Issue. It features an engraved portrait of Martha Washington, the first First Lady of the United States, framed by laurel wreaths and ornate scrollwork. It is historically notable as the first U.S. definitive postage stamp to depict an American woman. The 8¢ denomination was primarily used for registry fees and heavier international mail.

This example is used, has been previously hinged, and lacks original gum.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 50 (Very Good)
The stamp is noticeably off-center to the top and right. The right-side perforations appear to touch or nearly touch the frameline, with very narrow margins.
According to the 2009 PSE grading guide, this centering is consistent with the Very Good category (margin width approximately 0.1mm to –0.1mm).

? Soundness Evaluation:
Multiple very minor flaws are present on the back of the stamp:
Fault Type Description Classification
Very Minor Fault Corner perf crease (lower left and upper right) Very Minor Fault
Very Minor Fault Hinge remnant (center top back) Very Minor Fault
Very Minor Fault Light cancellation bleed-through visible on reverse Very Minor Fault
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Under PSE definitions, three very minor faults qualify this stamp for a Minor Fault classification.
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Gauge: Perf 12 on all sides, consistent with the issue.
Condition: All perforations are genuine and intact. Two corner creases are present but not broken or missing.
Margins: Particularly narrow on the right side, consistent with Very Good centering.

? Cancellation Classification:
The stamp is postally used and bears a black multi-line machine cancel crossing diagonally over the design.
The cancel affects the face and surrounding frame but does not obliterate the portrait or key inscriptions.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points (due to cancellation heaviness but not obliteration)

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Observation Adjustment
Cancellation Heavy black cancel lines over portrait –5 pts
Color & Freshness Crisp black impression remains intact 0 pts
Total Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 50 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction –20
Adjusted Base Grade 30
Eye Appeal Adjustment –5
Final Grade 25 (Fair/Good – FR/GD)

? Final Summary:
Scott Number: 306
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 50 (Very Good)
Soundness: Minor Fault (2 corner perf creases, hinge remnant, cancel bleed-through)
Perforations: Perf 12, intact but with corner creases
Cancellation: Heavy machine cancel across portrait
Eye Appeal: Slightly reduced for heavy cancel
Final Grade: 25 (Fair/Good – FR/GD)

? Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #306 retains its strong engraved clarity but is held back by off-center margins, multiple very minor faults, and a heavy cancel that reduces its visual presentation. The final PSE numerical grade is 25 (Fair/Good).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (673)

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