U. S. Scott #340 - Used - Graded G/VG (LA01-0016-02-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

340

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

Fine

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, 1908
(U.S. Washington-Franklin Series – Second Bureau Issue, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #340, issued in 1908, is part of the Washington-Franklin series and depicts a left-facing profile portrait of George Washington framed by laurel leaves. The stamp is printed in pale ultramarine ink on double-line watermark paper and perforated 12. This example shows a bold perfin (perforated initials, typically applied for business security purposes) and a legible black circular date cancellation across Washington’s face.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
The design is clearly off-center, especially toward the left side, though all four margins remain clear of the frame lines. Under PSE grading standards, this qualifies as Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp is structurally intact with no tears or creases affecting the paper. However, several faults are present:
Very Minor Fault: Hinge remnant on the reverse
Very Minor Fault: One short perforation (less than half normal length)
Very Minor Fault: Creased perf tip
Extremely Minor Fault: An additional slightly shorter perf
These faults place the stamp into the Minor Fault category under the PSE grading guide.
Soundness Classification: Minor Fault
Soundness Deduction: –25 points

Perforations and Margins:
The perforations are intact but show one noticeably short perf and another shorter tip. Margins are present on all sides but are uneven, with the left margin particularly narrow.

Cancellation Classification:
The cancel is a bold black circular date strike. While readable, it runs across Washington’s face and obscures much of the portrait. Under PSE guidelines, this qualifies as a Moderate to Heavy cancel.
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 points

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The color remains strong, and the impression is sharp, but the combination of perfin and heavy cancel reduces visual balance. No additional deductions beyond the –5 for cancellation are applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 70 (Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –25 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 45
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –5 (Moderate/Heavy cancel)
Final Grade: 40 (Good/Very Good – GD/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 340
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: Fine (70)
Soundness: Minor Fault (short perf, perf tip crease, hinge remnant, pencil notation)
Perforations: Perf 12, mostly intact with one short and one shorter perf
Cancellation: Black circular date cancel, moderate to heavy strength, obscures portrait
Eye Appeal: –5 deduction for cancellation strength
Final Grade: 40 (Good/Very Good – GD/VG)

Final Verdict:
This used, hinged example of Scott #340 from the Washington-Franklin series exhibits Fine centering and bright color but suffers from Minor Fault soundness, including hinge remnant and short perforations. The perfin and heavy cancel further diminish eye appeal. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, the stamp earns a final grade of 40 (Good/Very Good – GD/VG).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (823)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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