U. S. Scott #248 - Used - Graded F/VF

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

248

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

75 (F/VF)

Year of Issue

1894

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation - Scott #248 (Used, Hinged, No Gum)

Design Overview:
Scott #248 is part of the 1894 First Bureau Issue, printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. This 2-cent carmine stamp features a left-facing profile of George Washington in an engraved oval frame. The design is similar to earlier U.S. definitive issues, with an ornate frame and clear, bold typography. The stamp has a perforation gauge of 12, consistent with the series.

This particular example is used, hinged, and has no gum. The centering is Very Fine (81), meaning the stamp is slightly off-center on one or two sides, but the framelines remain well clear of the perforations, with full margins on all sides.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 81 (Very Fine - VF)
✔️ The stamp is clearly off-center on one or two sides, but the design remains well-balanced.
✔️ All four margins are full, and well clear of the perforations.
✔️ Meets the PSE grading standard for Very Fine centering (81).

Soundness: Very Minor Fault (-5 Deduction Applied)
? Hinge Mark Present – This is considered a very minor fault on used stamps (-5 points).
? No significant faults observed (no thins, creases, or perforation issues).
? Perforations appear intact, with no missing or irregular perfs.

Perforations & Margins:
✔️ Perforation Gauge: 12, matching the issue specifications.
✔️ Margins: Even and full, providing clear separation from the design.
✔️ Perforations: Well-formed with no missing perfs.

Cancellation Classification:
Type: Moderate black cancellation.
Density: The cancel is moderate, covering part of the design but not completely obscuring key details.
Impact: The cancel is average for used examples, not significantly detracting from the eye appeal.
Classification: Neat / Clean cancel (no effect on grading).

Eye Appeal Adjustment: (No Bonus Applied)
? Color & Impression: The carmine ink is bold and well-printed, but within the expected range for this issue.
? Paper Condition: No major toning or discoloration.
? Cancellation Impact: The moderate cancel is typical, not light enough for a bonus but not heavy enough for a deduction.
? Final Eye Appeal Adjustment: No effect (0 points).

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Grading Component Score
Base Grade (Very Fine Centering) 81
Soundness Deduction (Very Minor Fault: Hinging) -5
Eye Appeal Bonus (Moderate Cancel, No Effect) 0
Final Numerical Grade 76 (Fine/Very Fine, F/VF)

Final Summary:
Category Evaluation
Scott Number 248
Condition Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering 81 (Very Fine - VF)
Soundness Very Minor Fault (-5 for Hinging)
Perforations Intact, standard gauge 12
Cancellation Moderate black cancel (No effect on grading)
Eye Appeal No adjustment applied
Final Grade 76 (Fine/Very Fine, F/VF)

? Final Verdict:
This Scott #248 stamp has Very Fine (81) centering, is used, hinged, and has no gum, and remains in solid collectible condition. The moderate cancellation is typical for used examples and does not significantly detract from the stamp’s presentation. The hinge mark results in a -5 soundness deduction, leading to a final grade of 76 (Fine/Very Fine, F/VF).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (552)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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