U. S. Scott #309 - Used - Graded G/VG (NA01-0043-02-05)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

309

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1903

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #309 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
15¢ Olive Green – Henry Clay, 1903
(Second Bureau Issue – Engraved, Flat Plate Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #309 is a 15¢ olive green engraved stamp issued in 1903 as part of the Second Bureau Issue. The design features a portrait of Henry Clay, an influential American statesman, centered within a richly ornamented classical frame. The denomination appears in ornate medallions in the bottom corners, and “POSTAGE FIFTEEN CENTS” is inscribed across the bottom. This issue represents the fine engraving and balanced design typical of the early 20th century.

This example is postally used, has been hinged, and has no original gum. It includes a private perforated “S” (perfin), commonly applied by businesses to prevent theft. The stamp also shows evidence of cancellation bleed-through and moderate design interference from a heavy cancel.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp exhibits a slightly narrow margin at the top and a wide margin at the bottom. The left and right margins are even and full. All four sides are clear of the design, with visible white space throughout. This satisfies the criteria for Fine/Very Fine centering under the PSE scale, even with the top-bottom imbalance.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp does not exhibit any tears, thins, or missing perforations. However, it presents the following fault:
Heavy cancellation bleed-through on the reverse (Minor Fault)
According to the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this qualifies as a Minor Fault.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –20 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on all four sides, as expected for the issue. The perforations are intact and not clipped, filed, or reperforated. The margins are strongest on the bottom and narrowest at the top, with left and right margins well-proportioned and clear of the design.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a heavy black circular cancel and a horizontal smear that cuts through the upper-left portion of the stamp and over Henry Clay's face. The cancellation is clearly postally applied and consistent with commercial use.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 57 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 47 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 309
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 77 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Fault (cancellation bleed-through)
Perforations: Perf 12, full and unaltered
Cancellation: Heavy, overlapping upper portrait and reverse bleed
Eye Appeal: –10 point deduction due to cancellation
Final Grade: 47 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #309 has above-average centering with a wide bottom margin and clear perforations. However, a heavy cancel and cancellation bleed-through on the back reduce the visual appeal. Based on the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final grade is 47 (Good/Very Good – G/VG).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (833)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Offers
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions