U. S. Scott #310 - Used - Graded Fair (SL01-0001-08-02)

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
(Second Bureau Issue – Engraved, Flat Plate Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #310 is a 50¢ orange engraved stamp issued in 1903 as part of the Second Bureau Issue. It features a highly detailed portrait of Thomas Jefferson within a classically styled ornamental frame. “50” appears in bold numerals in both lower corners, and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “POSTAGE FIFTY CENTS” appear above and below the portrait respectively. As a high-value issue, it reflects both the elegance and practical utility of early 20th-century postage.

This example is postally used, has been hinged, and does not retain original gum. A centrally struck, dark cancel obscures most of Jefferson’s face, and the ink has visibly bled through to the reverse.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 58 (Very Good)
The right perforations touch the frameline, which is the defining characteristic of a "Very Good" grade under the 2009 PSE guidelines. The top, bottom, and left margins are full, showing clear white space around the design. While there is no design loss, the off-center balance toward the right and the encroachment of the perforations into the design frame keep this stamp solidly within the "Very Good" category.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is free from thins, tears, creases, missing or added perforations. However, it does show:
Minor Fault: Heavy cancellation bleed-through visible on the back.
According to the PSE grading guide, this is a Minor Fault.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –25 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforated 12 on all sides, as standard for this issue.
Perforations are genuine and intact.
The right side perforations touch the frameline, while the top, bottom, and left margins are full and clearly clear of the design.

Cancellation Classification:
The black circular cancel includes heavy barred elements that obscure a large portion of Jefferson’s portrait, including the face and central design. This qualifies as a Very Heavy Cancel.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 58 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction –25 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 33 (Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 18 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 310
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 58 (Very Good) – perfs touch the frame on the right side
Soundness: Minor Fault (heavy cancel bleed-through)
Perforations: Perf 12, intact, genuine
Cancellation: Very Heavy, obscures central portrait
Eye Appeal: –15 point deduction
Final Grade: 18 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
This used Scott #310 exhibits Very Good centering with perforations touching the frame on the right side and full margins elsewhere. While the perforations are sound and the stamp is structurally intact, a heavy cancel with strong bleed-through significantly diminishes its eye appeal. Based on the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final grade is 18 (Fair – FR).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (750)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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