U. S. Scott #310 - Used - Graded Fair (NA01-0043-03-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

310

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 #310 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
50¢ Orange – Thomas Jefferson, 1903
Series of 1902 – Engraved, Flat Plate Printing, Perf 12

Design Overview:
Scott #310 features a detailed engraved portrait of Thomas Jefferson in rich orange, surrounded by intricate scrollwork. His birth and death dates (1743–1826) appear below the portrait, with large denomination numerals in the lower corners and the inscription "POSTAGE FIFTY CENTS" along the bottom. This example is postally used, contains a company perfin, shows evidence of hinging on the reverse, and has no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:

Centering Grade: 54 (Very Good)
The left and top margins are fuller but not symmetrically balanced.
The right and bottom perforations touch or very slightly cut into the outer frameline of the design.
These characteristics align with the definition of Very Good centering (margin range of approximately 0.1 mm to –0.1 mm) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp displays a combination of faults:
Fault: Several ragged, fuzzy, or short perforations, most evident along the left and bottom edges.
Minor Fault: A company perfin that completely removes two or more perforation tips at the upper left.
Very Minor Fault: A hinge remnant is visible on the back of the stamp.
Extremely Minor Fault: One short perf, approximately half normal length, located near the lower right.
Together, these qualify for a Fault soundness classification according to the PSE guide.

Soundness Classification: Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points
Combined Base Grade (Very Good Centering + Fault Soundness): 24

Perforations & Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on all four sides, as issued.
Multiple perforations are fuzzy or shortened, with the perfin removing several perf tips at top left.
The right and bottom perforations cut slightly into the design.
No signs of reperforation or trimming are present.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a bold black oval cancellation that passes diagonally across Jefferson’s face.
The cancel obscures a large portion of the portrait and partially affects the denomination.
This meets the criteria for a Heavy cancel, resulting in a significant reduction in eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Deduction: –10 points

Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Observation Adjustment
Cancellation Heavy – obscures face and denomination –10 pts
Color & Impression Color is strong; overall print remains sharp 0 pts
Total Adjustment –10 pts

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 54
Soundness Deduction –30
Adjusted Base Grade 24
Eye Appeal Deduction –10
Final Grade 14

Final Grade: 14 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Attribute Description
Scott Number 310
Denomination 50¢
Issue Date 1903 (Series of 1902)
Printing Method Engraved, Flat Plate, Perf 12
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering Very Good (54) – full left and top margins, tight right and bottom
Soundness Fault (ragged perfs, perfin cuts, hinge remnant, short perf)
Perforations Several affected or removed by perfin and wear
Cancellation Heavy cancel across design
Eye Appeal –10 points deduction due to cancel
Final Grade 14 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
While this Scott #310 retains strong color and impression, its perforation damage, perfin-induced perf loss, and heavy cancellation significantly affect its structural and visual condition. These combined issues result in a final numerical grade of 14 (Fair – FR) in accordance with the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (668)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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