U. S. Scott #331 - Used - Graded G/VG (LA01-0016-01-01)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

331

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1908

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #331 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
1¢ Green – Benjamin Franklin, 1908
(U.S. Washington-Franklin Issue – Double-line Watermark, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #331 was the first stamp in the long-running Washington-Franklin series, issued in 1908. It features a left-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin encased in an oval, flanked by laurel leaves, printed in green with a clean, ornate typeface. The stamp was produced on double-line watermarked paper and perforated 12 on all sides.

This example is used with a black machine cancellation crossing Franklin’s profile. Despite the cancel, the design remains clearly visible. The gum has been removed, and a hinge remnant is present on the back.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The perforations approach the design on the left and bottom but maintain visible white space. This meets the PSE definition of Fine centering, where perforation holes come very close to the design but white space remains visible to the unaided eye.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows a perf tip crease on the bottom edge, a hinge remnant, and one shorter perforation at the lower left. These faults, classified as two very minor faults and one extremely minor fault, qualify the stamp for the Minor Fault category under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on all sides, consistent with the issue. One perforation is noticeably shorter, but there are no missing or pulled perfs. The margins are tight on the left and bottom yet remain outside the design, while the top and right margins are broader.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The black machine cancel is horizontal and uniform. The design remains unobscured despite the multiple lines of the cancel.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 points (Neat/Clean cancel – no penalty or bonus)

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –30 (Minor Faults)
Adjusted Base Grade: 40 (Good/Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 40 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 331
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 70 (Fine)
Soundness: Minor Faults (perf tip crease, hinge remnant, short perf)
Perforations: Complete, one shorter perf
Cancellation: Neat machine cancel
Eye Appeal: No adjustment
Final Grade: 40 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #331 shows Fine centering with slightly narrow margins on the left and bottom. A combination of minor faults, including a perf tip crease, hinge remnant, and one short perforation, place the stamp in the Minor Fault soundness category. With no eye appeal adjustments, the stamp achieves a final numerical grade of 40 (Good/Very Good – G/VG) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (831)

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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