U. S. Scott #E3 - Used [NA01-E001-01-03]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

E3

Stamp Type

Special Delivery

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1893

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #E3 (Used, Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
10¢ Orange – Messenger Running, 1893
(U.S. Special Delivery Issue – Engraved Printing, Perf 12, Unwatermarked)

Design Overview:
Scott #E3, issued in 1893, is the third Special Delivery stamp of the United States. It was engraved and perforated 12 by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The design features a messenger in uniform running at left, symbolizing urgency and speed, and a prominent inscribed tablet at right stating “Secures immediate delivery at any post office.” The denomination “TEN 10 CENTS” is enclosed in a starburst cartouche at the bottom. The example under review is used, previously hinged, and retains no original gum.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 75 (Fine/Very Fine)
The stamp shows visible white space on all four sides, with margins slightly unbalanced. The left margin is the most narrow, the right margin the widest, the bottom margin narrower than the top. The centering meets PSE’s Fine/Very Fine standard of margins clearly free of the design though narrow on one or two sides.

Soundness Evaluation:
The stamp displays several faults: a hinge remnant, light cancellation bleed-through on the reverse, and pencil writing “1892” on the back. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, this combination of two very minor faults and one extremely minor fault constitutes a Minor Fault.
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault classification)

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is correctly perforated 12. All perforations are intact, with no evidence of trimming or reperforation. Margins are uneven, with the left side tightest and the right side most generous, consistent with the Fine/Very Fine centering.

Cancellation Evaluation:
The stamp bears a bold numeral-in-bars black cancel, struck heavily across the vignette and inscription. This obscures significant portions of the design and qualifies as a Very Heavy cancel under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Collector’s Note:
Although numeral-in-bars cancels are standard for the period, heavy strikes such as this reduce design clarity and diminish appeal compared to lighter or face-free strikes.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
The cancel is very heavy and obscures much of the design. Eye appeal deduction applied: –15.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 75 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –20 (Minor Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade: 55 (Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –15 (Very Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade: 40 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: E3
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering: 75 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Minor Faults (hinge remnant, bleed-through, pencil notation)
Perforations: Perf 12, intact, margins uneven
Cancellation: Very Heavy cancel obscuring design
Eye Appeal: –15 for cancel severity
Final Grade: 40 (Good/Very Good – G/VG)

Final Verdict:
This Scott #E3 has Fine/Very Fine centering with intact perforations, but its grade is brought down by minor faults and a very heavy cancel that obscures the design. It receives a final grade of 40 (Good/Very Good) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. It remains a collectible example of the 1893 Special Delivery issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1042)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions