U. S. Scott #338 - Used - Graded Good (LA01-0016-02-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

338

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VG & Below

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1909

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #338 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
10¢ Yellow – George Washington, 1908
(Washington-Franklin Series – Perf 12, Double Line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Issued in 1908 as part of the Washington-Franklin series, Scott #338 features a portrait of George Washington framed by a laurel wreath with denomination and inscription in shaded block lettering. The yellow color gives this issue a striking presence, though print clarity and ink density often vary due to production practices.

This example bears a large, heavy “MAN” cancel that obscures much of the portrait, significantly impacting its visual presentation. There is a small hinge remnant and faint pencil writing on the back.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 54 (Very Good)
The perforations clearly touch or are very near the frame at the top and bottom. The margins at left and right are slightly better but remain narrow. This centering falls within the Very Good range under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp shows a small hinge remnant at the top center and pencil writing (“338”) on the back in the lower right. These faults qualify as Very Minor Faults per the 2009 PSE standards.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –10 points

Perforations and Margins:
The perforations are complete and intact, with no evidence of trimming, missing teeth, or irregular separation. The design is touched at the top and bottom, consistent with the Very Good centering grade.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The heavy black cancel obliterates most of Washington’s face and extends across the entire design. This is classified as a Very Heavy Cancel and results in a deduction for eye appeal.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 54 (Very Good)
Soundness Deduction: –10 (Very Minor Faults)
Adjusted Base Grade: 44
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 34 (Good – G)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 338
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 54 (Very Good)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (hinge remnant, pencil writing)
Perforations: Full, though design is nearly touched
Cancellation: Very Heavy cancel (–10 points)
Eye Appeal: Significantly diminished
Final Grade: 34 (Good – G)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #338 has Very Good centering but is significantly affected by a very heavy cancel that obscures key design elements. The presence of a hinge remnant and pencil writing on the back qualifies as a Very Minor Fault. These factors reduce the overall quality, resulting in a final numerical grade of 34 (Good – G) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (977)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions