U. S. Scott #E4 - Used - Graded VG

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

E4

Stamp Type

Special Delivery

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1894

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #E4 (Used, Hinged, No Original Gum – Single Stamp)
10¢ Blue Messenger Running, 1894
(U.S. Special Delivery Issue – Bureau Printing Transition)

?️ Design Overview
Scott #E4, issued in 1894, was the first Bureau of Engraving and Printing Special Delivery stamp and reintroduced the original deep blue color scheme. It retains the enduring motif of a messenger delivering mail with haste, paired with the laurel-framed inscription:
“Secures Immediate Delivery at Any Post Office.”
This Bureau-produced version is visually darker and more crisply engraved than its predecessors, marking a transition to federal control of stamp production.

? Grading Breakdown
Centering Grade: Fine/Very Fine (77)
Top Margin: Full and balanced
Bottom Margin: Slightly narrower, but well clear of the design
Left Margin: Even, slightly stronger than the right
Right Margin: Slightly narrow, but design is well framed
Design Clearance: Framelines are not touched; margins are above the 0.4mm threshold
✅ This stamp fits the Fine/Very Fine definition under PSE: clear margins on all sides, though one or two may be narrow.
? Assigned Centering Grade: 77

? Soundness Evaluation
Identified Faults:
Fault Description Classification
Hinge remnant Very Minor Fault
Light cancellation bleed-through on back Very Minor Fault
One shorter perf (approx. half normal length) Extremely Minor Fault
? The combination of two Very Minor Faults and one Extremely Minor Fault falls under Minor Fault per the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.
? Soundness Category: Minor Fault
? Soundness Deduction: –20 points
? Combined Base Grade (F/VF Centering + Minor Fault Soundness): 57 (Very Good – VG)

✂️ Perforations & Margins
Perforation Quality:
Mostly clean all around
One noticeably shorter perf (lower right) – about half length

Margins:
Balanced with good clearance
No evidence of trimming or reperforation

? Cancellation Classification
Cancellation Type: Black circular date stamp (CDS)
Placement: Centered and well-placed across both the vignette and value tablet
Impact:
Does not overpower the design
Face remains clearly legible
Cancel appears moderate in weight, with even ink flow
? Classification: Moderate Cancel
? Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0 (no penalty or bonus)

?️ Eye Appeal Evaluation
Factor Description Adjustment
Color Rich blue, strong tone +1
Impression Strong impression with detailed engraving 0
Cancellation Weight Moderate, design not obscured 0
Cancellation Bleed-Through Minor and only visible on back 0
Shorter Perf Barely affects overall visual symmetry 0
? Net Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0

? Final Numerical Grade Calculation
Grading Component Value
Centering (Fine/Very Fine) 77
Soundness Deduction (Minor Fault) –20
Base Grade 57
Eye Appeal Adjustment 0
Final Grade 57 (Very Good – VG)

? Final Summary
Attribute Evaluation
Scott Number E4
Condition Used, Hinged, No Original Gum
Centering Fine/Very Fine (77)
Soundness Minor Fault (hinge remnant, cancel bleed-through, short perf)
Perforations One short perf, otherwise sound
Cancellation Moderate, clear and well-placed
Eye Appeal Neutral impact (no deduction or bonus)
Final Grade 57 (Very Good – VG)

? Final Verdict
This Scott #E4 stamp from 1894 features attractive centering and a rich blue impression that reflects the high standards of Bureau production. Despite small flaws—a hinge remnant, light cancel bleed-through, and a single shorter perf—the stamp remains appealing overall. The moderate cancel allows the design to remain legible, resulting in a final grade of 57 – Very Good (VG) under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (673)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

• Bids
• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions