U. S. Scott #339 - Used - Graded VG (LA01-0016-02-03)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

339

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1909

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #339 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
13¢ Blue Green – George Washington, 1908
(Washington-Franklin Series – Engraved, Perf 12, Double-Line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #339 is a 13¢ blue green stamp issued in 1908 as part of the Washington-Franklin series. This engraved design features a left-facing bust of George Washington framed by laurel leaves, with the denomination “13 CENTS 13” printed boldly at the bottom and “U.S. POSTAGE” centered at the top. The stamp was printed using the flat plate press method on paper with a double-line watermark and perforated 12.

The example evaluated is postally used, with no original gum and visible hinging marks on the reverse. There is also pencil writing and a corner perf crease.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The stamp’s margins show close spacing to the design, particularly along the left edge where the perforations nearly touch the frameline. The top margin is thinner than the bottom, while the right margin is visibly the most generous. While narrow, all sides retain a visible white border, qualifying the stamp for a Fine (70) centering grade by PSE standards.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp has two recorded faults: a corner perf crease (very minor fault) and pencil writing on the reverse (extremely minor fault). Together, these warrant classification in the “Very Minor Fault” category.
Soundness Classification: Very Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –10 points

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 12 on all four sides, consistent with the issue. All perforations are present, though one lower corner shows a crease. There is no evidence of reperforation or scissor trimming.

Cancellation Classification:
The black cancellation is a moderately heavy oval grid that covers most of Washington’s face and extends through the denomination. While the design is not obliterated, the cancellation is dark and centralized.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –10 (Very Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 60
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 (Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 50 (Very Good – VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 339
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 70 (Fine)
Soundness: Very Minor Fault (corner perf crease, pencil writing)
Perforations: Perf 12, intact and consistent
Cancellation: Heavy grid-style cancel, obscuring the portrait
Eye Appeal: –10 point deduction due to cancellation weight
Final Grade: 50 (Very Good – VG)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #339 shows Fine centering, but its grade is limited by a heavy cancel and minor physical flaws. The overall presentation remains respectable for collectors focused on completeness rather than condition rarity, earning a final grade of 50 (Very Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (827)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

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Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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