U. S. Scott #310 - Used - Graded Good (LA01-0014-04-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

310

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

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 is part of the ornate Series of 1902 definitive issues, engraved in a rich orange shade. It features a striking central portrait of Thomas Jefferson, flanked by elaborate scrollwork. The denomination "50" appears in large numerals at lower left and right, with "POSTAGE FIFTY CENTS" along the base and Jefferson's life dates (1743–1826) below his name. This example is used, bears no original gum, and exhibits visible faults on the reverse.

? Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 71 (Fine/Very Fine)
All four margins are clearly outside the design, with visible white space between the frameline and perforations.
The left margin is relatively generous, while the top and right are slightly narrower.
The design is balanced enough to meet Fine/Very Fine (71) centering under PSE’s 2009 standards.

? Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp shows a combination of Very Minor and Extremely Minor Faults, including:
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant (visible on back)
Very Minor Fault: Small perf tip crease (visible in upper area)
Extremely Minor Faults: Two shorter perforation tips, each about half normal length
These faults collectively constitute a Minor Fault under the 2009 PSE Guide ("Two or three very minor faults or a combination of very minor and extremely minor faults").
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points
Combined Base Grade (Fine/Very Fine + Minor Fault): 41

✂️ Perforations & Margins:
Standard Perf 12 on all four sides.
Perforations are intact except for two shorter perf tips, both about half the normal length.
Margins are clear of the design but slightly tight on the right and top.
No signs of trimming or reperforation.

? Cancellation Classification:
A black circular cancel is clearly visible across the right side, partially covering Jefferson’s face and neck.
The cancel obscures part of the portrait and the "50" denomination on the right side.
This qualifies as a Heavy cancel, which typically warrants a deduction of up to –10 points under the PSE guidelines.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation:
Factor Observation Adjustment
Cancellation Heavy – vertical cancel cuts across face and right frame –10 pts
Color & Impression Strong impression, excellent orange tone 0 pts
Total Eye Appeal Adjustment –10 pts

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 71
Soundness Deduction –30
Adjusted Base Grade 41
Eye Appeal Deduction –10
Final Grade 31

Final Grade: 31 (Good – G)
Per the 2009 PSE grading chart, this score falls within the Good (30–39) range.

? Final Summary:
Attribute Description
Scott Number 310
Issue Date 1903 (Series of 1902)
Denomination 50¢
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (71)
Soundness Minor Fault (hinge remnant, perf crease, short perfs)
Perforations Perf 12, complete, two short tips
Cancellation Heavy cancel obscuring face and right frame
Eye Appeal –10 due to cancel
Final Grade 31 (Good – G)

? Final Verdict:
This used Scott #310 displays Fine/Very Fine centering and a strong orange impression, but is affected by multiple minor and extremely minor faults and a heavy cancel that diminishes eye appeal. These elements combine for a final numerical grade of 31, placing the stamp firmly in the Good (G) category under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (669)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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