U. S. Scott #308 - Used - Graded Good (LA01-0014-03-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

308

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1902

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #308 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
13¢ Black – Benjamin Harrison, 1902
(Second Bureau Issue – Engraved, Flat Plate Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #308 is a 13¢ black engraved stamp issued in 1902 as part of the Second Bureau Issue. It features a detailed portrait of President Benjamin Harrison flanked by allegorical female figures representing commerce and industry. The denomination "13" appears prominently in ornate medallions at both bottom corners, and the inscription “POSTAGE THIRTEEN CENTS” is framed beneath the portrait. The high-quality engraving and classical design represent the artistic and production sophistication of the early 20th century.

This example is postally used, bears no original gum, and shows evidence of having been previously hinged. These conditions are typical for early 20th-century used issues and do not detract from grading when value deductions for hinging are evaluated separately.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp has a narrow margin at the bottom, while the top, left, and right margins are wider. Perforation holes are visibly clear of the design on all four sides. Though not perfectly balanced, it meets the criteria for Fine/Very Fine centering under the 2009 PSE grading scale. The frame is intact, and no part of the design is touched by the perforations.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faults Identified:
Natural Straight Edge (Right Side) – A production-related fault common to this issue, lowering both market appeal and soundness score.
Pulled Perf (Upper Left) – A perf has detached below the bottom of the hole.
Partial Gum Residue – While irrelevant for used stamps with no gum, its presence is noted here as a Minor Fault only for consistency.

Soundness Classification: Major Fault
As defined by the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the presence of two or more faults (one being a major like a pulled perf or natural straight edge) places this stamp in the Major Fault category2009_GradingGuide_092009.
Soundness Deduction: –45 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on three sides, consistent with the issue. The right side has a natural straight edge, reducing its desirability. The perforations are intact except at the top left, where one is pulled. The margins are well proportioned on the left and top, with the bottom being narrowest.

Cancellation Classification:
Cancellation Type: Moderate Black Cancel (Left Side)
The cancellation is positioned mostly in the upper left quadrant and intrudes slightly into the left margin. While it is distinct and visible, it does not obscure the portrait or key inscriptions.
Cancellation Classification: Neat/Clean Cancel
There is no notable interference with the central design.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points
No bonus or penalty applied, as the cancellation does not diminish the visual impression.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Score
Centering Grade 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction –45 (Major Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 31 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment 0
Final Grade 31 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 308
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 76 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Major Fault (Straight edge, Pulled perf, Partial gum residue)
Perforations: Perf 12, natural straight edge on right, pulled perf top left
Cancellation: Moderate, clean strike left side
Eye Appeal: No adjustment
Final Grade: 31 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used Scott #308 features appealing design centering and strong engraving clarity. However, it is impacted by a combination of significant faults including a pulled perf and natural straight edge. With Fine/Very Fine centering and a neutral cancellation, the final grade is Good (31) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (705)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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