U. S. Scott #319 - Used - Graded Fair (NA01-0043-04-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

319

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 #319 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Carmine – George Washington, 1903
(Series of 1902 – Engraved, Flat Plate Printing, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #319 features an engraved portrait of George Washington framed by patriotic motifs including laurel wreaths and classical scrollwork. Issued in 1903 as part of the ornate Series of 1902, it was printed using the flat plate method on watermarked paper and perforated 12. This example is postally used, has been hinged, and no longer retains its original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
All four margins are clear of the design. The right and bottom margins are slightly wider than the top and left, which are noticeably narrower. The overall balance places this stamp within the Fine/Very Fine category under the 2009 PSE grading guidelines.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp shows significant structural damage. A large tear is visible near the bottom right edge and extends into the design. Additionally, multiple clipped and short perforations are present along the bottom and right sides. On the back, pencil notations, including the number "319," are visible. These faults meet the criteria for Severe Fault classification as defined by the PSE guide, which includes two major faults or a combination of major and minor issues.

Soundness Classification: Severe Fault
Soundness Deduction: –55 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on all sides, as issued. While the left and top perforations are intact, the bottom and right sides show multiple short or clipped teeth. A tear along the lower right further weakens the edge integrity. The design remains clear of all perforations, consistent with the Fine/Very Fine centering grade.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The stamp bears a moderate black horizontal barred cancellation that crosses Washington’s face. While the design remains legible, the cancel slightly obscures the portrait. No cancellation bleed-through is present. According to the PSE grading guide, this qualifies as a Moderate cancel.

Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79
Soundness Deduction: –55
Adjusted Base Grade: 24
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5
Final Grade: 19 (Fair – FR)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 319
Denomination: 2¢
Issue Date: 1903 (Series of 1902)
Printing Method: Engraved, Flat Plate
Perforation: Perf 12
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Severe Fault – tear, clipped perforations, pencil notation
Perforations: Faulty along right and bottom edges
Cancellation: Moderate barred cancel over portrait
Eye Appeal: –5 point deduction
Final Grade: 19 (Fair – FR)

Final Verdict:
Although this used example of Scott #319 demonstrates strong carmine color and Fine/Very Fine centering, its condition is significantly impaired by a major tear and multiple clipped perforations. The additional pencil markings and moderate cancel reduce both soundness and visual appeal. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the final grade is 19 (Fair – FR).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (827)

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