U. S. Scott #340 - Used - Graded FR/G (NA01-0049-03-02)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

340

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1909

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #340 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
15¢ Pale Ultramarine – George Washington, 1909
(Washington-Franklin Issue – Engraved, Perf 12, Double-line Watermark)

Design Overview:
Scott #340, issued in 1909, is part of the Washington-Franklin Issue and depicts a left-facing profile of George Washington framed within a laurel wreath. The denomination “15 CENTS 15” is displayed in bold numerals and text at the bottom, with “U.S. POSTAGE” inscribed above. Printed in pale ultramarine ink on double-line watermarked paper and perforated 12, this value was commonly used for heavier domestic rates and foreign letter mail.

The submitted example is used, hinged, and has no original gum. While it retains a legible impression and balanced centering, structural faults significantly affect its grade.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp shows margins that are reasonably clear of the design, with slight imbalance. The left margin is the narrowest, followed by the right. The bottom is moderately open, while the top margin is the widest. This qualifies as Fine/Very Fine centering under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, where one or two margins may be narrow but still clear of the design.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp exhibits multiple faults, dominated by one severe defect. A severe crease runs diagonally through the stamp, which places it in the Severe Fault category. Additional defects include a natural straight edge, which constitutes a Fault, as well as a hinge remnant and a prominent guideline on the reverse, both considered Very Minor Faults. Pencil writing on the back is classified as an Extremely Minor Fault. Together, these conditions confirm the stamp as having Severe Fault soundness.

Perforations and Margins:
Perforations gauge 12 and are genuine, though the natural straight edge on one side reduces visual balance and collector desirability. Margins are uneven, with the left and right sides tight, the bottom moderately open, and the top most generous.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a light black cancel that is partial and unobtrusive. The cancellation does not obscure Washington’s portrait or other major design elements. Under PSE guidelines, this qualifies as a neat, light cancel, warranting a positive adjustment for eye appeal.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is somewhat dulled from wear, though the impression remains visible. Despite the crease and straight edge, the light unobtrusive cancellation improves the overall appearance. A +5 point adjustment is applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –55 (Severe Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 24 (Fair/Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: +5 (light, unobtrusive cancel)
Final Grade: 29 (Fair/Good – FR/GD)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 340
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: Fine/Very Fine (79), margins uneven with left margin narrowest and top widest
Soundness: Severe Fault, crease across stamp; Fault, natural straight edge; additional Very Minor and Extremely Minor faults (hinge remnant, guideline, pencil writing)
Perforations: Perf 12 genuine, natural straight edge present
Cancellation: Light partial black cancel, unobtrusive, +5 adjustment
Eye Appeal: Overall diminished by faults but slightly improved by cancel
Final Grade: 29 (Fair/Good – FR/GD)

Final Verdict:
This used example of Scott #340 displays Fine/Very Fine centering, but a severe crease and natural straight edge reduce its grade substantially. A light unobtrusive cancel improves its visual presentation, resulting in a final grade of 29 (Fair/Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Would you like me to also prepare a side-by-side summary chart for your Scott #339 (71 Fine) and Scott #340 (29 Fair/Good), so you can see at a glance how centering versus faults shifted their outcomes?

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (825)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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